title: An integrated model of discharge planning for acutely-ill elderly patients.
abstract: Prior research has demonstrated that current discharge-related practices present resource-related and ethical problems for all those involved. The purpose of this 9-month qualitative study was to develop a more resource efficient and compassionate discharge planning model for acutely-ill, elderly patients. The focus group interviewing method was used to elicit 99 participants' perceptions of an ideal approach to discharge planning. Focus group participants included professionals from acute-care hospitals and community organizations. Telephone interviews were also completed with 25 patients and 6 family members. Themes identified in the analysis revealed that an ideal approach to discharge planning would incorporate seven elements. According to participants, the approach is ideal because it potentially addresses both resource utilization and ethical issues. Program evaluation of the model is underway in order to determine its effectiveness.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto.
authors.forename: D L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Wells
authors.forename: D K
authors.initials: DK
authors.lastname: Martin
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Moorhouse
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Craig
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Foley
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology*; D000368:Aged; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001294:Attitude to Health; D019033:Delivery of Health Care, Integrated / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006299:Health Services for the Aged / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016294:Models, Nursing; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009864:Ontario; D010351:Patient Discharge; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires