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Identification of service improvement opportunities in an Australian community transition care program
Background
Transition care programs (TCPs) are designed to optimise functional recovery and independence in older adults post-hospitalisation. These programs are under high demand, and understanding inefficiencies in patient flow are a key step towards service improvement.
Aims
To identify service improvement opportunities in an Australian community TCP service.
Methods
An in-depth retrospective study of 113 community TCP clients.
Results
TCP occupancy was high (94%) and client functional level improved across the program. Inefficiencies experienced included: admission delays to the program; low completion rates (61%) predominantly due to re-hospitalisation; variable response times by Allied Health services (5–20 days); and discharge delays—the latter attributed to waiting for services such as Home Care Packages through Non-Government Organisations.
Discussion
This study identified several opportunities for service improvement in a community TCP service. Health practitioners should be regularly provided with up-to-date information on efficiency of TCP services.
Aging Clinical and Experimental Research (2018) 30 (12): 1529
