Objective: To agree priorities for the structure and content of the discharge process for stroke patients entering nursing home care.
Design: A formal priority-setting exercise using the Nominal Group Technique.
Participants: A panel of 12 members of a multidisciplinary team from a hospital and community setting with experience in the management of stroke patients on a daily basis.
Results: Agreement was good and improved during the process (Kendall coefficient of concordance 'W increased from 0.48 to 0.58 for physical care needs, 0.45 to 0.75 for care needs and 0.56 to 0.72 for the discharge process). The priorities for discharge were: 1) Plans need to be co-ordinated by one person 2) Clear written information on medication should be provided 3) Clear written information on nutritional needs should be provided.
Conclusion: Agreement was reached by a panel of clinicians on an evidence-based discharge plan for stroke patients entering nursing home care.