Improving transitions between nursing homes and emergency departments: a qualitative study

Nursing home residents with acute illnesses have complex healthcare needs that often require transitions across multiple organizations. This study explores the experiences of diverse healthcare professionals from organizations involved in transitions between nursing homes and emergency departments and identifies conditions necessary to improve this transitional process.

Eighteen qualitative interviews with healthcare professionals were conducted, and data were analyzed using thematic analysis based on the work of Braun & Clarke. This paper adheres to the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR) standards.

Three themes were identified: (1) Inclusive and supportive engagement, emphasizing the importance of involving care recipients while providing support; (2) Operational readiness, indicating the structures and supports needed to ensure that staff can effectively respond to unexpected events; and (3) Cross-organizational collaboration, pinpointing that streamlined communication strategies across healthcare organizations facilitate a shared decision-making process among healthcare professionals and ensure that essential patient information is readily accessible at each transitional step.

A comprehensive approach addressing these individual, operational, and systemic factors can enhance transitional care between nursing homes and emergency departments.