Older adults and carers' perceptions of pre-discharge occupational therapy home visits in acute care.
BACKGROUND
pre-discharge occupational therapy (OT) home visits are an integral part of the discharge process for older adults in acute care. There is limited quality research demonstrating that these pre-discharge visits enhance the health and well being of older adults. This paper outlines the perceptions of older adults and carers of the home visit process from the exploratory phase of an ongoing research project.


METHODS
this qualitative study utilised 22 semi-structured interviews with 15 older adults and 7 carers. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis.


RESULTS
older adults are not fully prepared to undertake home visits, but carers offer them reassurance about the discharge process. For carers, the home visit process appeared to eradicate anxiety, whilst some older adults perceived the process as demoralising, daunting and increasing their anxiety. In addition, older adults were often reluctant to accept changes or to have valued occupations stopped.


CONCLUSIONS
the findings suggest that the current model of pre-discharge home visits does not promote health and well being. For some older adults the home visit provoked anxiety, however home visits are important to carers.
Atwal
Anita
A
School of Health Sciences and Social Care, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK. Anita.atwal@brunel.ac.uk
McIntyre
Anne
A
Craik
Christine
C
Hunt
Jacki
J
D000208:Acute Disease; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001007:Anxiety / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006792:House Calls; D006801:Humans; D008131:London; D008297:Male; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000523:psychology; D010351:Patient Discharge; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D012803:Sick Role