From Hospital to Home: Interdisciplinary Approaches to Optimise Palliative Care Discharge Processes

Area of Science:

• Palliative Care
• Health Services Research
• Qualitative Health Research

Background:

• The transition from hospital palliative care to home care presents significant logistical, medical, and emotional challenges.
• Gaps in communication, interdisciplinary coordination, and resource access impede effective discharge planning and continuity of care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore barriers, support needs, and strategies for optimizing palliative care discharge.
• To identify factors influencing the transition from hospital-based palliative care to home settings.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study employing semi-structured interviews with 28 participants (healthcare professionals, patients, caregivers).
• Reflexive thematic analysis to identify key themes related to discharge processes.

Main Results:

• Identified five main themes: discharge planning/coordination, symptom/medication management, psychosocial support, communication/information, and assistive devices/home care.
• Discharge processes were often late, unstructured, with poor interdisciplinary collaboration and inadequate caregiver preparation, leading to readmissions and distress.

Conclusions:

• Standardized protocols, earlier planning, structured communication, and integrated home care services are recommended.
• Addressing psychosocial needs and ensuring timely access to assistive devices are crucial for improving patient outcomes and reducing caregiver burden.