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 |
| Sponsorship |