The results of a survey looking into the coordination of care, including discharge processes and re-admission for surgical patients in England and Wales, showed that discharge from hospital is an area of particular concern. Only one-quarter of those surveyed agreed that there is a thorough coordinated discharge process in place to enable effective transfer of care from the hospital environment.
The Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) survey showed that follow-up and access to care outside of the hospital setting was also raised as a concern in the survey as less than 41% of surgeons believe that it is clear to patients who they should contact if they experience problems following discharge from hospital. In addition, only 18% of surgeons and stakeholders are confident that surgical teams are aware of a patient’s additional health or care needs before the first surgical consultation.
Evidence shows that uncoordinated care is distressing for patients; can lead to higher re- admission rates; and places additional pressure on emergency departments.
Following the survey, the RCS has made a number of recommendations for where the integration of care for patients can be improved. This includes a call for greater discharge planning to take place from the outset, more information to be available to patients and carers, and greater communication between professionals and services.
Miss Clare Marx, president, Royal College of Surgeons said: “We strongly support a model of care that encourages and enables closer team work between surgeons, patients, their carers and community care providers as this can improve health outcomes, overall patient experience and bring down re-admission rates. Readmission to hospital is occasionally necessary but can be reduced with coordinated effort.
“It is crucial that surgeons work with their patients to determine a plan for recovery from the outset, providing them with all of the information they and their carers require and clear instructions on how to seek medical attention, if required after discharge. At present, readmission is placing additional pressures on emergency departments.”
