This short video explains how the pressures of ‘patient flow’ in hospital create difficulties for staff and older patients.
In particular, it looks at how the pressures of flow mean that staff have to focus attentions on getting patients ‘fit for discharge’ and how communication between staff and patients is affected by this. It shows why this is a problem and what things can be done to improve it.
When you watch it, notice how it talks about ‘transitions’ rather than just discharge. Discharge is a point in time, transition is the journey from being in hospital to being at home. Discharge sits ‘within’ a transition.
The film talks about transitions to encourage staff to consider how patient experiences in hospital can affect their experiences and safety at home. This is the hidden part of care that staff often don’t see.
Balancing the pressures of flow with good communication between staff and patients is challenging but can ensure a safe transition for patients from hospital to home.