Discharge planning: an exploratory study of the process of discharge planning on geriatric wards

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Abstract
The elderly are a vulnerable group of people who are high users of hospital and community services. The transition from hospital to home is a crucial time for them. This paper reports the findings of an exploratory study into the process of discharge planning in four geriatric wards. It is suggested that discharge planning is not seen as a priority by ward nurses and doctors and that the present methods of communicating with patients in hospital need to be supplemented by written information.