Preparing for the Future of Post-Acute Care: A Metasynthesis of Qualitative Studies

Despite poor outcomes for older adults following hospitalization, practice patterns of post-acute care clinicians and factors impacting quality of care are not well studied, which limits advancements in clinical care. Qualitative research on the factors that influence physician practice patterns with respect to older adults has been studied and may provide a framework for hypothesizing factors relevant to other post-acute care clinicians. Three themes emerged from this qualitative metasynthesis: (1) Current medical education and clinical guidelines are not aligned with the multifaceted care needed for older adults, (2) communication gaps impact quality of care, and (3) health policies constrain quality of care. Identifying potential factors that impact practice patterns in post-acute care providers may guide future research initiatives that shape health professional education and system policies.