The Homecare Association has published a new report titled: "Expecting the Unexpected: Homecare providers' views of hospital discharge”.
The report draws on findings from focus groups with homecare providers and a survey of 283 members, who represent over 21,000 care workers that provide care and support for over 31,000 people across the UK. The report highlights the importance of getting the discharge process right to minimise stress and prioritise the individual's needs. Key findings from the report include:
- 35% said most discharges they were involved in were not safe
- 55% of providers said discharge paperwork doesn't reflect the person's needs and views
- 63% said people are being discharged from hospital too soon, leading to readmission.
The report also emphasises the crucial role homecare providers can play in improving outcomes and the need for their involvement in short-term and long-term service delivery and development.
The Homecare Association has put forward 35 recommendations for NHS leaders, local authorities, and the government to address these issues. These include ensuring hospitals meet people's basic needs when discharged, improving communication, including care providers in needs assessments, paying homecare providers sustainable rates on time, and involving homecare providers in shaping improvements in operations and strategic service development.
Our Chief Executive, Dr Jane Townson OBE, said:
"Investing in hospital discharge services is important. Hospital discharge does not need to continue to feel stressful, chaotic, and impersonal. More is possible. We call on Integrated Care System leaders and the Government to address these issues and prioritise the basics to improve outcomes for individuals and reduce unnecessary costs."
The full report is available to download below.