Background: Little is known about the effect on elderly patients of the transition that occurs upon discharge from the hospital to the patients' homes. This report describes hospital discharge as experienced by a group of elderly patients.
Methods: Qualitative research techniques were used to study the effect of hospital discharge on 12 patients, 12 caregivers, and 62 health professionals involved in the process. Research methods included interviews, observation of participants, and review of pertinent documents.
Results: Findings indicate that the patients' mindsets and family relationships contribute to the discharge experience. Problems with communication among members of the health care team created problems in the discharge process. The opinions of health professionals and patients' family members sometimes differed regarding appropriateness of various facets of the discharge process.
Conclusions: The findings suggest that there is a need to better facilitate communication and coordination of the hospital discharge process for elderly patients.