Abstract
AIM To identify good practice and unmet needs in respect of post-discharge support for injured patients.
DESIGN AND SETTING Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews at four sites (Bristol, Leicester/Loughborough, Nottingham, and Surrey).
METHOD Qualitative interviews with 40 service providers and 45 hospitalised injured patients.
RESULTS Although there were examples of well-managed hospital discharges, many patients felt they were not provided with the information they needed about their injury, what to expect in terms of recovery, pain control, return to work, psychological problems, and services to help meet their needs. They also described difficulty accessing services such as physiotherapy or counselling. Service providers identified problems with communication between secondary and primary care, lack of access to physiotherapy, poor communication about other services that may help patients, GP service and resource constraints, and difficulties in providing information to patients concerning likely prognosis.
CONCLUSION Discharge from hospital after an injury can be problematic for patients. Changes in both secondary and primary care are required to resolve this problem.
DESIGN AND SETTING Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews at four sites (Bristol, Leicester/Loughborough, Nottingham, and Surrey).
METHOD Qualitative interviews with 40 service providers and 45 hospitalised injured patients.
RESULTS Although there were examples of well-managed hospital discharges, many patients felt they were not provided with the information they needed about their injury, what to expect in terms of recovery, pain control, return to work, psychological problems, and services to help meet their needs. They also described difficulty accessing services such as physiotherapy or counselling. Service providers identified problems with communication between secondary and primary care, lack of access to physiotherapy, poor communication about other services that may help patients, GP service and resource constraints, and difficulties in providing information to patients concerning likely prognosis.
CONCLUSION Discharge from hospital after an injury can be problematic for patients. Changes in both secondary and primary care are required to resolve this problem.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | e24-e31 |
| Journal | British Journal of General Practice |
| Volume | 66 |
| Issue number | 642 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2016 |
Keywords
- general practitioners
- primary health care
- patient discharge
- injury