arrow
Return

Mapping the Discharge Process After Surgery

delete2024-04-01
delete0
PRE
AI
L
Laura A. Graham *
S
Samantha Illarmo
C
Caroline Gray
A
Alex H. S. Harris
T
Todd H. Wagner
M
Mary T. Hawn
J
James C. Iannuzzi
S
Sherry M. Wren
DOI:10.1001/jamasurg.2023.7539delete
deleteOriginal
deleteOriginal request for help
deleteShare
deleteSave
Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
Importance Care transition models are structured approaches used to ensure the smooth transfer of patients between health care settings or levels of care, but none currently are tailored to the surgical patient. Tailoring care transition models to the unique needs of surgical patients may lead to significant improvements in surgical outcomes and reduced care fragmentation. The first step to developing surgical care transition models is to understand the surgical discharge process. Objective To map the surgical discharge process in a sample of US hospitals and identify key components and potential challenges specific to a patient's discharge after surgery. Design, Setting, and Participants This qualitative study followed a cognitive task analysis framework conducted between January 1, 2022, and April 1, 2023, in Veterans Health Administration (VHA) hospitals. Observations (n = 16) of discharge from inpatient care after a surgical procedure were conducted in 2 separate VHA surgical units. Interviews (n = 13) were conducted among VHA health care professionals nationwide. Exposure Postoperative hospital discharge. Main Outcomes and Measures Data were coded according to the principles of thematic analysis, and a swim lane process map was developed to represent the study findings. Results At the hospitals in this study, the discharge process observed for a surgical patient involved multidisciplinary coordination across the surgery team, nursing team, case managers, dieticians, social services, occupational and physical therapy, and pharmacy. Important components for a surgical discharge that were not incorporated in the current care transition models included wound care education and supplies; pain control; approvals for nonhome postdischarge locations; and follow-up plans for wounds, ostomies, tubes, and drains at discharge. Potential challenges to the surgical discharge process included social situations (eg, home environment and caregiver availability), team communication issues, and postdischarge care coordination. Conclusions and Relevance These findings suggest that current and ongoing studies of discharge care transitions for a patient after surgery should consider pain control; wounds, ostomies, tubes, and drains; and the impact of challenging social situations and interdisciplinary team coordination on discharge success.
Keywords:
CARE FRAGMENTATION
READMISSIONS
METHODOLOGY

Journal

J
JAMA Surgery
IF:
14.9
Papers:
4.7K
Citations:
1.9W

Organization

VA Palo Alto Health Care System cover
VA Palo Alto Health Care System
Scholars:
1.8K
Papers: 1.5K
Citations: 5.6K
S
Stanford University
Scholars:
9.6W
Papers: 8.2W
Citations: 17.0W
U
US Department of Veterans Affairs
Scholars:
3.8W
Papers: 3.3W
Citations: 47
V
veterans health administration (vha)
Scholars:
2.6W
Papers: 2.1W
Citations: 40
researcher View more organizations