Discharge planning from the acute sector for people over the age of 65.
This paper reports the findings relating to discharge planning from a larger study (Hegney et al 2001) that aimed to investigate options to improve care co-ordination between the aged, community, acute and primary care sectors for the elderly residents of a large provincial town. The data, which were collected from a wide variety of aged care stakeholders in the region, are consistent with previous Australian studies. First, it appears that inappropriate discharge from acute hospitals occurs in Toowoomba because there is a perceived lack of information regarding the available community care options and a lack of suitable models to support people's care needs within their own homes. Second, inappropriate discharge practices from acute hospitals occur due to a lack of knowledge and communication on the part of health professionals employed in these settings with regard to the on-going health care needs of elderly people. Third, there is little discharge planning occurring that includes the general practitioner in post-discharge care. Finally, inappropriate discharge can also be attributed to the lack of sub-acute/step-down/rehabilitation options and long waiting lists for community home care services in the region.
Hegney
Desley
D
Centre for Rural and Remote Area Health, University of Southern Queensland.
McCarthy
Alexandra
A
de la Rue
Mary Beth
MB
Fahey
Paul
P
Gorman
Don
D
Martin-McDonald
Kris
K
Pretty
Grace
G
Sundin-Huard
Deborah
D
D000368:Aged; D003153:Community Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration; D006299:Health Services for the Aged / Q000458:organization & administration; D006699:Home Care Services / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D020380:Needs Assessment; D024802:Nurse's Role; D010347:Patient Care Planning / Q000592:standards*; D010351:Patient Discharge / Q000592:standards*; D010819:Physician's Role; D012046:Rehabilitation / Q000458:organization & administration; D019467:Subacute Care / Q000458:organization & administration