Abstract
Background: 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.
Aims: To identify service improvement opportunities in an Australian community TCP service.
Methods: An in-depth retrospective study of 113 community TCP clients.
Results: 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.
Discussion: 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.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 1529-1532 |
| Number of pages | 4 |
| Journal | Aging Clinical and Experimental Research |
| Volume | 30 |
| Issue number | 12 |
| Early online date | 10 Mar 2018 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Dec 2018 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Aged
- Community Health Services/organization and administration
- Efficiency
- Organizational
- Organizational Case Studies
- Program evaluation