Journeying Home: Elderly Patients' Experiences and Needs During Hospital Discharge- A Meta-Synthesis

BACKGROUND: The discharge of elderly patients with multi-morbidity can be complex. Clarifying their perspectives and experiences during discharge is important to support their needs. However, a unified and thorough understanding of patients' experiences and needs is lacking.

OBJECTIVE: To identify and synthesise knowledge of the experiences and needs of elderly patients with multi-morbidity during discharge from hospital to home.

METHOD: A qualitative meta-synthesis was conducted using Sandelowski and Barroso's method. In December 2022, relevant studies applying appropriate criteria were searched in Embase, PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and PROQUEST. A follow-up search was conducted in October 2024.

RESULTS: Nine studies were included, and four analytical themes were identified: the feeling of getting life back, the importance of next of kin, relationships with healthcare professionals and preparation for homecoming.

CONCLUSION: Short-term relations with healthcare professionals during discharge planning posed challenges in meeting some patients' relational needs and thus affected their preparation for going home. To promote a better patient relationship during discharge planning, healthcare professionals should increase their focus on patients' preferences and needs when communicating with patients using a strategy appropriate for the healthcare context.