Every year, thousands of patients treated in the hospital require follow-up care after being discharged. For example, a patient might be moved to a rehabilitation center, nursing home or to their house where they receive home care. This transition is often an impactful one, both for patients and their loved ones. It is precisely at such a vulnerable moment that you, as a patient, want to be accompanied on your journey in the best way possible.
IG&H conducted a survey among 358 patients and their relatives about their transfer after admission to the hospital. The respondents are part of the Healthcare Panel of the Dutch Patients Federation. They completed the survey based on their most recent experience with a healthcare transfer.
Lack of smooth transitions
The research shows that 1 in 5 patients and their relatives have a bad experience with the transfer to follow-up care. No less than 34% of the patients and relatives who received home care after their admission had a neutral to (very) bad experience of the transfer. This percentage is even higher among patients and relatives who had a transfer to a healthcare institution, namely 40%.
Freedom of choice, the availability and explanation about medication play an important role in how satisfied patients are with the transition. Respondents were also asked whether they see the value of digital solutions in making the transfer experience smoother. Almost 90% of the respondents indicate that they are potentially open to using a digital solution.
Would you like to read the study?