Carers' experience of hospital discharge Summer 2021

Healthwatch Surrey and Action for Cares undertook a project to investigate the experience of Discharge to Assess from the perspective of Carers of those admitted to hospital. They undertook a survey in Spring 2021to which 78 people responded and undertook 12 interviews. 

Even at the height of the pandemic it was possible for discharge to be collaborative, safe and enabling. The sub sample of identifiable Discharge to Assess respondents is small but 5 of the 6 do seem to have received timely follow up assessments.

Poor communication from staff to carers at all stages of the journey is a substantial barrier to achieving good discharges.  Carers are at a serious disadvantage. They are often unaware of assessment processes, how decisions are made, who has responsibility for what actions. They cannot contribute to discharge, and cannot quality check the discharge. These weaknesses can result in actual patient harm.

There were 4 recommendations.