What Patients Want: A Qualitative Study of Patients' Perspectives on Optimizing the Hospital Discharge Process.

Abstract

Background: Poor discharge planning can lead to increases in adverse drug events, hospital readmissions, and costs. Prior research has identified the pharmacist as an integral part of the discharge process.

Objectives: To gain patients' perspectives on the discharge process and what they would like pharmacists to do to ensure a successful discharge.

Methods: Twenty patients discharged from tertiary care hospitals were interviewed after discharge. A phenomenological approach was used to conduct this qualitative study.

Results: Five main themes were identified from the patient interviews: interactions with health care professionals, importance of discharge documentation, importance of seamless care, comprehensive and patient-specific medication counselling, and patients' preference for involvement and communication at all stages of hospital stay.

Conclusions: Although participants generally reported positive interactions with health care providers at discharge, several areas for improvement were identified, particularly in terms of communication, discharge documentation, and continuity of care. A list of recommendations aligning with patient preferences is provided for clinicians.