Interorganizational Collaboration in Transitional Care - A Study of a Post-Discharge Programme for Elderly Patients

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Health Services Research
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Post-discharge transitional care programs are crucial for elderly patients.
• Collaboration between municipal and hospital healthcare sectors is complex.
• Evaluating the impact of transitional care on patient outcomes and economic efficiency is vital.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the collaboration within a transitional care ward for elderly patients.
• To assess the effects of this program on patient care quality.
• To determine the economic efficiency of the transitional care project for involved organizations.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods approach was employed.
• Data collection included interviews, questionnaires, and analysis of official documents and statistics.

Main Results:

• Collaboration functioned well at the organizational leadership level but faced challenges at the operational level.
• Patients in transitional care reported higher satisfaction and improved functioning compared to hospital patients.
• Transitional care resulted in higher rates of discharge to home and lower average costs per patient.

Conclusions:

• The transitional care program positively impacted elderly patient care quality and economic efficiency.
• Despite positive outcomes, the intermediate ward was ultimately closed by the health enterprise board.