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BMC Health Services Research
Published in: BMC Health Services Research 1/2023

Open Access 01-12-2023 | Care | Research

Discharge interventions for First Nations people with a chronic condition or injury: a systematic review

Authors: Julieann Coombes, Andrew J.A Holland, Courtney Ryder, Summer May Finlay, Kate Hunter, Keziah Bennett-Brook, Phillip Orcher, Michele Scarcella, Karl Briscoe, Dale Forbes, Madeleine Jacques, Deborah Maze, Bobby Porykali, Elizabeth Bourke, Camila A. Kairuz Santos

Published in: BMC Health Services Research | Issue 1/2023

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Abstract

Background

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have a unique place in Australia as the original inhabitants of the land. Similar to other First Nations people globally, they experience a disproportionate burden of injury and chronic health conditions. Discharge planning ensures ongoing care to avoid complications and achieve better health outcomes. Analysing discharge interventions that have been implemented and evaluated globally for First Nations people with an injury or chronic conditions can inform the implementation of strategies to ensure optimal ongoing care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted to analyse discharge interventions conducted globally among First Nations people who sustained an injury or suffered from a chronic condition. We included documents published in English between January 2010 and July 2022. We followed the reporting guidelines and criteria set in Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review (PRISMA). Two independent reviewers screened the articles and extracted data from eligible papers. A quality appraisal of the studies was conducted using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool and the CONSIDER statement.

Results

Four quantitative and one qualitative study out of 4504 records met inclusion criteria. Three studies used interventions involving trained health professionals coordinating follow-up appointments, linkage with community care services and patient training. One study used 48-hour post discharge telephone follow-up and the other text messages with prompts to attend check-ups. The studies that included health professional coordination of follow-up, linkage with community care and patient education resulted in decreased readmissions, emergency presentations, hospital length of stay and unattended appointments.

Conclusion

Further research on the field is needed to inform the design and delivery of effective programs to ensure quality health aftercare for First Nations people. We observed that discharge interventions in line with the principal domains of First Nations models of care including First Nations health workforce, accessible health services, holistic care, and self-determination were associated with better health outcomes.

Registration

This study was prospectively registered in PROSPERO (ID CRD42021254718).
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Discharge interventions for First Nations people with a chronic condition or injury: a systematic review
Authors
Julieann Coombes
Andrew J.A Holland
Courtney Ryder
Summer May Finlay
Kate Hunter
Keziah Bennett-Brook
Phillip Orcher
Michele Scarcella
Karl Briscoe
Dale Forbes
Madeleine Jacques
Deborah Maze
Bobby Porykali
Elizabeth Bourke
Camila A. Kairuz Santos
Publication date
01-12-2023
Publisher
BioMed Central
Keyword
Care
Published in
BMC Health Services Research / Issue 1/2023
Electronic ISSN: 1472-6963
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-023-09567-5

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