Identification of service improvement opportunities in an Australian community transition care program.

Katherine Schultz; Leanne Carroll; Kristin Mainey; Elsa Dent
Abstract
Transition care programs (TCPs) are designed to optimise functional recovery and independence in older adults post-hospitalisation. These programs are under high demand, and understanding inefficiencies in patient flow are a key step towards service improvement.To identify service improvement opportunities in an Australian community TCP service.An in-depth retrospective study of 113 community TCP clients.TCP occupancy was high (94%) and client functional level improved across the program. Inefficiencies experienced included: admission delays to the program; low completion rates (61%) predominantly due to re-hospitalisation; variable response times by Allied Health services (5-20 days); and discharge delays-the latter attributed to waiting for services such as Home Care Packages through Non-Government Organisations.This study identified several opportunities for service improvement in a community TCP service. Health practitioners should be regularly provided with up-to-date information on efficiency of TCP services.
Journal AGING CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH
ISSN 1720-8319
Published 01 Dec 2018
Volume 30
Issue 12
Pages 1529-1532
DOI 10.1007/s40520-018-0923-z
Type Journal Article
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