Exploring Older People's Experiences and Factors Associated With 30-Day Hospital Readmission: A Qualitative Study Using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis

Introduction

Hospital readmission has a negative impact on older people and the healthcare system. Current hospital readmission research predominantly reports on clinical outcomes based on cross-sectional data. Research exploring patients' experiences and priorities is limited. This study aimed to explore older people's experiences of hospital readmission in order to develop an understanding of what matters most to them.

Methods

Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted to generate data that were analysed using principles of interpretative phenomenological analysis.

Results

Ten participants over 65 years old, who had experienced unplanned hospital readmission within a period of 30 days, were recruited from a large single tertiary referral centre. Four themes emerged: ‘All about me without me’, ‘Fragmented and ad hoc post-discharge support’, ‘My readmission experience and what led me back’ and ‘Segregated health and social services that are detached from people's needs’.

Conclusion

The study findings suggest that patients should be more involved in decisions about their care, and health professionals should endeavour to better understand the contexts, resources and access to formal and informal support of patients. Effective communication and stronger continuum of care could be a key to patients' recovery and avoidance of hospital readmission. This research highlights the importance of shared decision-making and patient-centred care to improve quality of care, maintain independence and preserve older adult's right to feel valued.