Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Background Approximately 30% of older adults admitted to hospital in Sweden are readmitted within three months. Short hospital stays and readmission can lead to further functional decline, as recovery appears to be poor at home after discharge. Aim To explore healthcare professionals’ experiences of transitional care in older adults in order to prevent readmission. Methods Four focus group interviews were conducted with healthcare professionals (n = 29). Data were analyzed using a phenomenographic approach. Results Healthcare professionals’ perceptions were compiled into seven descriptive categories. Three of the categories, i.e., resources, interprofessional coordination, and advanced care needs can be difficult to meet, described healthcare professionals’ perceptions of the current stage of older adults—the first-order perspective, i.e., what something is. The remaining categories described the meanings of the healthcare professionals’ perceptions. Conclusion Several interacting structural issues cause readmissions. These include premature discharge from hospital, poor hand-over between healthcare professionals, and a lack of qualified staff in the home-setting. To prevent readmission, medical competence and interprofessional teamwork must be improved in the home setting.
Source: Frontiers in Health Services
Institution: Örebro University
Language: English
Subfield: Emergency Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,077
OpenAlex ID: W4414522709