Abstract
There is a need for individualized discharge planning to support frail older persons at hospital discharge. In this context, active participation on their behalf cannot be taken for granted. The aim of this study was to elucidate patient participation in discharge planning conferences, with a focus on frail older persons, supported by the theory of positioning described by Harré & van Langenhove. The study was designed as a case study based on audio-recordings of multidisciplinary discharge planning conferences and interviews with health professionals elucidating their opinions on preconditions for patient participation in discharge planning. The analysis has been performed using qualitative content analysis and discourse analysis. Data collection took place during 2008-2009 and included 40 health professionals and 13 frail older persons in hospital or municipal settings. Findings revealed four different positions of participation, characterized by the older person's level of activity during the conference and his/her appearance as being reduced (patient) or whole (person). The positions varied dynamically from being an active person, passive person, active patient, or passive patient and the health professionals, next-of-kin, and the older persons themselves contributed to the positioning. The findings showed how the institutional setting served as a purposeful structure or a confinement to patient participation.
Highlights
There is a need for individualized discharge planning to support frail older persons at hospital discharge
The results of this study showed how the participation of frail older persons in discharge planning conferences was communicatively constructed as their care needs and suitable activities were negotiated
Data showed that frail older persons took one of four different positions during the discharge planning conferences (Figure 1)
Summary
There is a need for individualized discharge planning to support frail older persons at hospital discharge. In this study carried out in a Swedish context, the concept ‘discharge planning conferences’ refers to a multi-professional meeting aiming to coordinate care in hospital, a community dwelling or municipal health and social care settings. The participants in these conferences vary but primarily involve the patient, of kin and health professionals from the hospital, municipal health or social care facility, or in special cases from the primary health care centre. The manner in which they are carried out depends on local circumstances
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
