Discharge Communications for Older Patients Between Hospital Healthcare Providers and Home Healthcare Providers: An Integrative Review

Abstract

The increasing volume of our aging population is dramatically affecting the need for home care services. The discharge process from hospital to home can be fraught with communication challenges if critical information is not provided. The transition process can threaten patient safety and incur adverse patient health outcomes. However, little is known about how the communication occurs between hospital and home health providers. Therefore, this integrative literature review was conducted to (1) describe the discharge communication that is occurring for older patients between hospital and home healthcare providers and (2) summarize the limitations of current discharge communication. A systematic search was conducted using CINAHL, PubMed, Web of Science, and PsycINFO databases. Findings were categorized to address each aim. Seven studies were included for full reviews. Healthcare providers used a variety of communication methods, including: written information, phone calls, or in-person meetings to exchange the discharge information of older patients. Limitations in communications included excessive and incomplete discharge documents, lack of provider’s contact information, lack of trust in each other, and lack of bidirectional communications. The quality of discharge communications can improve by utilizing mediators and implementing standardized discharge documentation requirements. Overall, there was a lack of literature that described the methods and limitations of discharge communication for older patients between hospital and home care services. Further studies can be conducted to generate more evidence. Healthcare providers may improve the quality of discharge communication by addressing the suggested areas.