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BMC Health Services Research
Published in: BMC Health Services Research 1/2019

Open Access 01-12-2019 | Care | Research article

Older persons’ experiences of adapting to daily life at home after hospital discharge: a qualitative metasummary

Authors: Christine Hillestad Hestevik, Marianne Molin, Jonas Debesay, Astrid Bergland, Asta Bye

Published in: BMC Health Services Research | Issue 1/2019

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Abstract

Background

Researchers have shown that hospitalisation can decrease older persons’ ability to manage life at home after hospital discharge. Inadequate practices of discharge can be associated with adverse outcomes and an increased risk of readmission. This review systematically summarises qualitative findings portraying older persons’ experiences adapting to daily life at home after hospital discharge.

Methods

A metasummary of qualitative findings using Sandelowski and Barroso’s method. Data from 13 studies are included, following specific selection criteria, and categorised into four main themes.

Results

Four main themes emerged from the material: (1) Experiencing an insecure and unsafe transition, (2) settling into a new situation at home, (3) what would I do without my informal caregiver? and (4) experience of a paternalistic medical model.

Conclusions

The results emphasise the importance of assessment and planning, information and education, preparation of the home environment, the involvement of the older person and caregivers and supporting self-management in the discharge and follow-up care processes at home. Better communication between older persons, hospital providers and home care providers is needed to improve the coordination of care and facilitate recovery at home. The organisational structure may need to be redefined and reorganised to secure continuity of care and the wellbeing of older persons in transitional care situations.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Older persons’ experiences of adapting to daily life at home after hospital discharge: a qualitative metasummary
Authors
Christine Hillestad Hestevik
Marianne Molin
Jonas Debesay
Astrid Bergland
Asta Bye
Publication date
01-12-2019
Publisher
BioMed Central
Keyword
Care
Published in
BMC Health Services Research / Issue 1/2019
Electronic ISSN: 1472-6963
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-019-4035-z

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