24 EXPERIENCES OF EARLY SUPPORTED DISCHARGE SERVICES FOLLOWING A STROKE: A QUALITATIVE EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS. (18th November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Connor, E O; Dolan, E; Horgan, F; Robinson, K; Galvin, R
• Is Part Of: Age and ageing. Volume 50(2021)Supplement 3
• Publication Date: 2021-11-18
• Subjects: Aging -- Periodicals; Geriatrics -- Periodicals; 618.97
• DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afab219.24
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0002-0729

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Early supported discharge (ESD) facilitates people with a stroke to be discharged from the hospital environment earlier than conventional care to continue their rehabilitation within the home with a multi-disciplinary team. From Randomised Controlled Trials, benefits of ESD include reducing long term dependency, the length of hospital stay and cost savings. This systematic review and qualitative synthesis explores the experiences of those involved in ESD including people with stroke, family members, caregivers as well as the healthcare professionals. Methods: A literature search was completed in 11 databases which generated 3, 425 articles. Qualitative or mixed methods studies that included qualitative data on the experiences of people with stroke, family members, caregivers and healthcare professionals of an ESD service were included. Methodological quality was appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist. Findings were synthesised using thematic synthesis. Results: A total of fourteen studies were identified. The methodological quality of the studies was good overall. Four key themes emerged: 1) ESD is experienced by people with stroke as a goal-focused and supportive process leading to positive outcomes, 2) ESD eases the transition from the hospital to the home environment but the transition from ESD to social and community services is often problematic, 3) Organisational, logistical and inter-professional factors are critical to the success of ESD and 4) The home environment enhances rehabilitation. Conclusion: Our findings highlight the importance of home in the rehabilitation process post stroke. Key practice implications point to the need for increased attention to periods where care transitions occur.