Perceptions of hospitalized older adults regarding the transition of care from hospital to home

Abstract

Objective To analyze the perceptions of older adults hospitalized regarding the transition of care from hospital to home. Method A qualitative, descriptive-exploratory research was conducted in a clinical inpatient unit of a medium-sized public hospital in the interior of São Paulo state, Brazil. Twenty-two older adults participated in the study through semistructured interviews, guided by questions based on the pillars of the Care Transitions Intervention (CTI). Subsequently, participant observation was conducted at the study site, with recording in a field diary and transcription of speeches. Thematic analysis and data systematization followed through specific software for qualitative data analysis Results The mean age of the participants was 68 years (SD±5.4); 16 (77%) had one or more chronic diseases; 14 (64%) were using one or more continuous medications. The primary International Classification of Diseases code for hospitalization was Covid-19. The average length of hospital stay was 9 days (SD±5.7), with a maximum of 31 days and a minimum of two days, with four (18%) experiencing severe disease. From the perception of older adults, four themes of analysis emerged: medication-related problems; preparation for hospital discharge; continuity of care; and family network. Conclusion From the perspective of older adults, it is necessary to organize the care plan during hospitalization through medication reconciliation, preparation for home care, family presence during hospitalization, and recognition of Primary Health Care in continuity of care during the transition from hospital to home care.