Experiences of elderly patients regarding independent community living after discharge from hospital: a longitudinal study

摘要: Objective. To describe the reported experiences of elderly patients regarding their transition from an acute hospital to independent community living. Design. Observational longitudinal study based on semi-structured interviews conducted monthly for 6 months following discharge hospital. Setting. Four South Australian hospitals. Patients. One hundred who faced a long-term change in health status and/or ability manage practical aspects daily living. Main outcome measures. Experiences managing status, social circumstances and living. Results. Few believed that plans made had assisted return living. Discharge planning addressed mainly formal services rather than Many implemented innovative solutions when were unavailable or inadequate. Pain, tiredness, loss mobility, grief over previous abilities frequent, long lasting sequelae illness, few prepared deal with this. Conclusions. Elderly have left face permanent often regret they not been better what lies ahead terms more specific information about condition, linked prepare them period convalescence. We suggest underlying problem is disjunction between multiple systems involved planning, primary medical care, disability-oriented services, informal services.