Experiences with hospital-to-home transitions: perspectives from patients, family members and healthcare professionals. A systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative studies

Abstract

Purpose

Multiple studies have explored the needs and experiences of patients, family members, and healthcare professionals regarding hospital-to-home transitions. Our study aimed to identify, critically appraise, and summarize these studies in a qualitative meta-synthesis.

Materials and methods

Medline, CINAHL and Embase were systematically searched to identify eligible articles from inception to June 2024. Qualitative studies were included and critically appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program. Insufficient-quality papers were excluded. We performed a meta-synthesis following (1) open coding by two independent researchers and (2) discussing codes during reflexivity meetings.

Results

Ninety-eight studies were appraised, of which 53 were included. We reached thematic saturation, four themes were constructed: (1) care coordination and continuity, (2) communication, (3) patient and family involvement, and (4) individualized support and information exchange. For patients and families, tailored information and support are prerequisites for a seamless transition and an optimal recovery trajectory after hospital discharge. It is imperative that healthcare professionals communicate effectively within and across care settings to ensure multidisciplinary collaboration and care continuity.

Conclusions

This study identifies essential elements of optimal transitional care. These findings could be supportive to researchers and healthcare professionals when (re)designing transitional care interventions to ensure care continuity after hospital discharge.

IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION

• Patients and their families need to receive tailored information and support, which are prerequisites for a seamless transition from hospital to home

• Professionals must communicate effectively within and across hospital and primary care settings

• Professional roles should be clarified to ensure effective collaboration and continued high-quality care after hospital discharge.

• Integrated allied health pathways addressing coordination and communication are needed to ensure seamless transitions

Keywords:

• Transitional care
• healthcare professionals
• hospital discharge
• care continuity
• patients

Acknowledgement

The medical information specialist who contributed to the search strategy is acknowledged for their valuable contributions.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

Data will be available upon request via DataVerseNL https://doi.org/10.34894/YYIIY6.

Additional information

Funding

This project is funded by ZonMw [grant numbers: 10270022110008 and 10270022110004].