The Experience of Chronic Illness Transitional Care: A Qualitative Systematic Review

Abstract

This is a qualitative systematic review of recent qualitative studies of the experiences and perceptions of both individuals with chronic illness(es) and their caregivers regarding hospital-to-home transitions. Thematic synthesis was used to identify common themes from seven qualitative studies published from 2012 to 2021 and extracted from four electronic databases. This review was guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Statement. Quality appraisal was assessed and adequate methodological rigor was determined. A total of three barriers to transitional care (communication with multiple healthcare providers, self-management, and psychological stress) and two facilitators of transitional care (family caregiver support and nurse-provided patient-centered care) were identified. These findings can be used by nursing research and healthcare managers to reform transitional care practices for chronic illnesses and caregivers.

Facilitators and inhibitors in hospital-to-home transitional care for elderly patients with chronic diseases: A meta-synthesis of qualitative studies

“…User experience can improve the process and quality of healthcare delivery ( 4 , 24 – 26 ). Several studies have focused on user experience and satisfaction in care transitions, and have received some review attention ( 23 , 27 – 29 ). The more recent are Hestevik et al ( 23 ), Chen et al ( 29 ), Høy et al ( 28 ), and Joo et al ( 27 ).…”

“…Several studies have focused on user experience and satisfaction in care transitions, and have received some review attention ( 23 , 27 – 29 ). The more recent are Hestevik et al ( 23 ), Chen et al ( 29 ), Høy et al ( 28 ), and Joo et al ( 27 ). Høy et al ( 28 ), and Hestevik et al ( 23 ) explored the perspective of older adults and Joo et al ( 27 ) included family caregivers in addition to patients.…”

“…The more recent are Hestevik et al ( 23 ), Chen et al ( 29 ), Høy et al ( 28 ), and Joo et al ( 27 ). Høy et al ( 28 ), and Hestevik et al ( 23 ) explored the perspective of older adults and Joo et al ( 27 ) included family caregivers in addition to patients. Chen et al ( 29 ) reviewed the barriers and facilitators of transition care for stroke patients and their caregivers.…”

“…and (iv) experience of a paternalistic medical model. Joo et al ( 27 ) reviewed seven studies to understand the experiences and perceptions of patients with chronic illnesses and their caregivers as they transitioned from a medical setting to home. They reported that the transition from hospital to home was influenced by the following barriers and facilitators: communication with multiple healthcare providers, self-management, and psychological stress and family caregiver support and nurse-provided patient-centered care.…”

Multicomponent, high-intensity, and patient-centered care intervention for complex patients in transitional care: SPICA program

“…In this regard, we have the so-called patient-centered care (PCC) ( 38 – 40 ). Person-centered interventions during the care transition of complex patients have been identified by patients and relatives as facilitating factors of healthcare ( 41 ). So, patient involvement in care planning increases adherence to the care plan and improves the quality of life ( 42 ).…”