[Discharge management in Germany: A scoping review]

Transitional care after a hospital stay remains a challenge in Germany. Despite the legal obligation for structured discharge management that has been in place since 2017, seamless transition to post-acute care is still not consistently available. This scoping review aims to compile available studies on discharge management in Germany, identify key challenges for patients and stakeholders, and present measures that have already been implemented.

This scoping review followed the methodology of the Joanna Briggs Institute and the PRISMA-ScR guidelines (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews). A systematic search was conducted in four bibliographic databases (CareLit, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE via PubMed, Web of Science Core Collection), supplemented by reference screening and hand searching. Using predefined criteria, German-and English-language primary and secondary studies, as well as gray literature from 2015 onwards, were included, focusing on hospitalized patients in Germany and those involved in discharge management.

Thirty studies were included. Interventional studies demonstrated limited effectiveness, particularly in preventing hospital readmissions. Non-interventional research identified barriers such as inconsistent implementation, absence of standardized procedures, shortages of resources, and poor communication between care sectors. Structured assessments, standardized discharge summaries, and case managers showed potential to strengthen the continuity of care and improve patient outcomes.

Cross-sectoral care in Germany requires stronger interprofessional collaboration, binding standards, and flexible models adaptable to local conditions. Despite useful insights, further research is urgently needed to evaluate, implement, and compare existing strategies and pilot programs.