Discharge planning and continuity of care for aged people: indicators of satisfaction and implications for practice

In this study using questionnaire and in-depth interviews, a sample of 67 aged participants conveyed their health experiences related to the process of discharge planning. The objectives of the study were to describe indicators of satisfaction in the process of discharge planning as identified by aged participants, their carers and key health professionals and to describe participant and carer knowledge of recovery needs, medications and availability of community services. The results of this study show that 71% of aged participants expressed satisfaction with their overall experience of hospital discharge planning and felt well prepared for discharge. Two indicators of satisfaction for aged people were that they and their carers were involved with hospital staff in decisions about what would happen after discharge and that they received relevant information and education about their post-acute recovery needs. Findings of this study reveal effective communication and negotiation between aged people, their carers, hospital and community health professionals as key factors in continuity of care and satisfaction with discharge planning.