More patient involvement in discharge process leads to better aftercare

Recently, Güven Alarslan, Renate Kieft, Rosa Mennes and Maud Heinen published an article in the Journal of Advanced Nursing about their research on patient experience and engagement during the discharge process from hospital to home, initiating district nursing care. In this multiple case study, the authors observed and interviewed 7 people in both hospital and home settings at discharge and intake. Authors Mennes and Heinen are affiliated with IQ Health as researchers.

The article suggests that patient participation in the transition process from hospital to follow-up care can be improved. This research indicates that unsafe situations can be prevented through patient involvement and a clear understanding of the roles and responsibilities of patients, family and caregivers.

The article emphasizes that patients and families should be recognized as key figures in the transfer process and provides direction to healthcare professionals on how to increase involvement in the transfer process by actively inviting patients to participate in the transfer process.
 

Read the article here: Patients involvement in the discharge process from hospital to home: A patient's journey - PubMed (nih.gov)