Reducing risks in complex care transitions in rural areas: a grounded theory

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Healthcare Management
• Rural Health

Background:

• Care transitions present unique challenges in rural versus urban settings.
• Limited research exists on the specific difficulties encountered in rural care transitions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore registered nurses' perceptions of challenges in rural care transitions from hospital to home healthcare.
• To understand how nurses manage these challenges during the transition process.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative approach using Constructivist Grounded Theory.
• Individual interviews conducted with 21 registered nurses.

Main Results:

• The primary concern identified was "Care coordination in a complex context," influenced by environmental and organizational factors.
• Nurses actively communicated to mitigate patient safety risks by collaborating on care needs, anticipating obstacles, and managing transition timing.

Conclusions:

• The care transition process in rural areas is complex, involving multiple organizations and stakeholders.
• Clear guidelines, inter-organizational communication tools, and sufficient staffing are crucial for reducing risks and improving patient safety.