Dissertation
Caregiver involvement in discharge planning of older hospitalized patients to reduce readmissions
Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.), Drexel University
Nov 2017
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/etd-7751
Abstract
Background: Involving caregivers of older patients in discharge planning has been shown to reduce hospital readmissions by 25% at 90 days and 24% at 180 days. Purpose: To align expectations of patient caregivers with the care delivery provided during discharge planning by hospital personnel in accordance with the requirements of the CARE Act. Method: Two surveys were conducted, one provided to hospital personnel and the other to lay caregivers, to determine perceptions about caregiver involvement in discharge planning. Evaluation: Using a SOAR Analysis, five strengths and six opportunities were identified, and aspirations and desired results proposed. To promote sustainability and continuous quality improvement, a report card to monitor readmissions related to the presence or absence of caregiver involvement in discharge planning was developed. Clinical Implications: As the action plan is implemented and hospital culture changes, the caregiver will be regarded by hospital personnel as an extension of the patient, and caregivers will become more effective in their roles. This should result in greater caregiver involvement in discharge planning and patient advocacy. The report card will enable the monitoring of outcomes over time. Recommendations: To foster a more successful partnership between caregivers and patients as they transition out of the hospital, a recommendation is to ask not only for the patient's consent in naming a caregiver, but also garnering consent of the caregiver as a willing and able partner in care.
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Details
- Title
- Caregiver involvement in discharge planning of older hospitalized patients to reduce readmissions
- Creators
- Debra L. Laumer - DU
- Contributors
- Patti Rager Zuzelo (Advisor) - Drexel University (1970-)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- [68] pages
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Doctoral Nursing; Nursing (Graduate); College of Nursing and Health Professions; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 7751; 991014632343104721