Examining “success” in post-hip fracture care transitions: A strengths-based approach

Abstract

Transitions between health care settings are a high-risk period for care quality and patient safety (; ), particularly for older patients – such as those with hip fracture – who have complex needs and may undergo multiple care transitions. We sought to understand the key elements of “success” in care transition. Using a strengths-based perspective (; ), we focused on interprofessional health care providers' perspectives of what constitutes a “good” care transition for elderly hip fracture patients. As part of a larger ethnographic field study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 health providers across a number of disciplines employed across the continuum of post-hip fracture management in British Columbia, Canada. We found two hallmarks of “success” in care transitions: a focus on process – information gathering and communication, and a focus on outcomes – autonomy and care pathways. Strategies for promoting and improving success, such as using practitioner-driven ground-up solutions to address challenges in care transitions, are highlighted.