What Is Essential for Older People With Multi-Morbidity During Discharge Planning? A Qualitative Study

Background: For older people with multi-morbidity, discharge planning is crucial to manage their healthcare needs at home. Knowledge of their perspectives is important so that their essential needs are included during discharge planning. This study aimed to understand what is essential for them during discharge planning in two medical hospital departments. Methods: We used a hermeneutic approach grounded in Gadamerian philosophy and conducted 15 semi-structured interviews in two medical departments. We audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed the interviews using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Two themes were identified: practical discharge preparation and personal discharge preparation. Conclusion: It is essential for older people to get health-related information and personal contact with healthcare professionals. However, limited contact with healthcare professionals and practical preparation hindered the fulfilment of these needs. Future discharge initiatives must find ways to better accommodate the personal needs of older people and also fit into the healthcare environment of medical departments.