Discharge preparation: do healthcare professionals differ in their opinions?

Discharge preparation is a multiprofessional activity that is not always conducted efficiently. Perspectives of staff provide an insight into challenges and solutions for this organizational process. The study aimed to examine current discharge practice in one hospital and to compare perceptions of this activity between healthcare workers from different professions. A questionnaire was sent to 1344 staff in an English hospital. It consisted of items related to discharge, which were rated on a Likert scale, and included space for free text. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The survey method has a number of limitations and conclusions must be considered with caution. A total of 455 usable questionnaires were returned from nurses/midwives, doctors and therapists/allied health professionals. Although respondents showed agreement on a number of areas, differences did arise, which could be linked, in part, to values and roles associated with specific healthcare disciplines. Tensions between professional groups were evident, especially between social workers, nurses and medics. Differences of opinion also appeared between practitioners, patients and carers. Different views among practitioners of discharge preparation could impede efficient joint working. Better understanding of the roles and expertise of team members might improve this process. Factors affecting discharge preparation need to be understood to reduce staff and consumer dissatisfaction and to avoid potential readmissions.