Journal des soins infirmiers et des soins

Investigation and Analysis of the Transitional Care Needs of Patients Following Hospital Discharge

Abstract

Xia Lyu, Jie Zeng, Jenny Song, Weisi Peng, Muying Chen, Caiwen Li

Background: The transitional care model ensures the continuity of care and has significant impact on patients’ health outcomes. Transitional care services need to be developed based on patients’ needs. 

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the care needs of patients following hospital discharge.

Methods: This quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted among 484 patients using a questionnaire to investigate patients’ transitional care needs, covering the types of the services and patient preferred services providers.

Results: The investigation revealed that only 17.98% (n = 87) of participants were aware that the tertiary hospital provided transitional care following hospital discharge, even though more than half of participants (n = 265) expressed a preference for doctors and nurses from tertiary hospitals to provide this. Regarding types of transitional care service, 46.9% participants (n = 227) considered health education to be their priority, followed by medication guidance (35.33%), and rehabilitation needs (34.71%).

Conclusion: The most preferred service model perceived by patients are transitional care services provided by health professionals from tertiary hospitals. Transitional care must encompass a broad range of health services including health education, medication management, and rehabilitation in order to meet patients’ needs. This is to promote the care continuity across various care settings.