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Hospital Study Finds Discharge Information Should Be Tailored To Patient Needs

Sep 03, 2021

A Hollywood Private Hospital research study into discharge processes has highlighted the importance of nurses and other health professionals providing discharge information to meet individual patient needs.

The study Exploring orthopaedic patients’ experiences of hospital discharge: Implications for nursing care was published in Collegian in June.

Hollywood Clinical Nurse Manager David Dineen said the aim of the study was to gain an understanding of patients’ discharge experiences and information needs, which can inform best practice in discharge education.

“Our descriptive qualitative study was undertaken by analysing telephone interviews with 34 patients discharged following orthopaedic surgery at Hollywood,” Mr Dineen said.

“Patient feedback highlighted that nurses need to provide more tailored discharge information for orthopaedic patients to support recovery, prevent problems and avoid hospital readmission.

“Improved communication included information about the discharge process, the management of any wounds and medication and the prevention of constipation.”

The study was led by Edith Cowan University Centre for Research in Aged Care researcher Dr Rosemary Saunders and conducted by researchers from Hollywood and Edith Cowan University - School of Nursing and Midwifery. 

The recruitment and interviews took place between March and June 2019.

Hollywood Director of Clinical Services Karen Gullick said discharge education is an important part of patient care.

“Effective discharge education can enhance the patient experience and reduce hospital readmissions,” Ms Gullick said.

Hollywood Research Foundation provided funding for the study.

Ramsay Health Care has launched its inaugural Ramsay Research Month (1-30 September), revealing it is currently participating in 1000 clinical trials and research projects involving more than 27,000 patients.

Hollywood Private Hospital Enrolled Nurse Sonia Cibesku, Clinical Nurse Manager David Dineen and Clinical Nurse Madison Gannon.