Discharge to assess project report 2022
Download (PDF 1.22 MB)Summary of report content
This work by Healthwatch Cumbria developed out of a piece commissioned by NHS England & Improvement, which gathered the insights of patients, unpaid carers and NHS staff, with a specific emphasis on unpaid carers’ experiences of the discharge to access process, into a Healthwatch Cumbria core project. This work was then expanded to include residential care home managers, NHS transportation staff, independent advocates, as well as representatives from palliative care and 3rd sector organisations.
Healthwatch Cumbria took a qualitative approach, completing case studies with individuals or having them complete an open-ended survey. In total, the work engaged 49 participants. The reoccurring theme across all those engaged is communication. The report states that the best way to improve the discharge process would be to improve the quality of communication, both within the healthcare system and between the system and patients. Other key themes include the need to have patients’ needs at the centre of the discharge process, having accurate information shared with the correct people prior to discharge, and having the necessary support in place at the point of discharge.
The report makes 16 recommendations, which speak to these key themes.