Hospital Admissions and Delayed Discharge: Patient Needs and Support

Healthwatch Greenwich examined the experiences and perspectives of patients, their families, and stakeholders to understand the reasons behind potentially preventable hospital admissions and delayed discharges. 

They found that potentially preventable hospital admissions and delayed discharge are influenced by a range of social and environmental factors. 

While hospital admissions resulted from a wide range of medical conditions, a significant portion of these admissions were attributed by patients or their families to poor self-management of chronic conditions at home. In their view, this often stemmed from a lack of appropriate support and resources, leaving patients vulnerable to health crises, and needing hospital care. Patients and families further highlighted their lack of trust in community resources to adequately meet their needs and that they found these resources to be largely inaccessible.

Additionally, families and patients shared how long waiting periods for home modifications and the need to move to suitable accommodation significantly delayed their discharge. Delays were further compounded by a lack of clear communication from hospital staff, leaving families and patients without an explanation for their delayed discharge.

These findings emphasise the need for increased awareness of community-based resources amongst patients, families, and hospital staff, building trust by addressing cultural and personal concerns, and simplifying the process of accessing these resources.