Hospital and community liaison links in nursing: the role of the liaison nurse.
Since the 1960s there has been an awareness of a 'care-gap' when patients are transferred between hospital and home. In the United Kingdom, attempts to improve continuity of care have included the development of the role of the hospital/community liaison nurse. The liaison role has evolved in different ways and no systematic evaluation has occurred. This paper reports the findings of an exploratory study into the structure and process of the liaison role. It is suggested that the role is effective in enhancing continuity of care, but that modifications accompanied by educational and organizational changes would improve current practice.
Jowett
S
S
School of Nursing Studies, University of Wales College of Medicine, Cardiff.
Armitage
S
S
D015400:Clinical Nursing Research; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care; D006699:Home Care Services; D006801:Humans; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D009738:Nursing Service, Hospital; D010351:Patient Discharge; D010360:Patient Transfer; D011320:Primary Health Care; D012380:Role; D013041:Specialties, Nursing