Perceptions of transitional care services among patients with percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage and multicentre health professionals: A qualitative study

Abstract

Background: Patients with percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) need regular drainage tube care after discharge, and transitional care can help solve this problem. However, few studies have focused on the quality of transitional care, the perceptions of patients with drainage tubes after discharge and those of healthcare professionals.

Aim: This study is aimed at exploring the real experience and perceptions of transitional care services among healthcare professionals and PTBD patients who have been discharged with tubes and at providing references for future transitional care service development.

Design: The study uses a qualitative descriptive design. The reporting method followed Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research guidelines.

Methods: Semistructured interviews were conducted with PTBD patients who had been discharged with tubes and multicentre healthcare professionals using the purpose sampling method. The thematic analysis method was used for analysis.

Results: Thirteen PTBD patients from one hospital and 12 healthcare professionals from three hospitals were interviewed. The analysis of the patient interview data revealed three themes, namely, recognition of the value of transitional care services, patients have some unmet needs and perception of transitional care service pathways. Six subthemes were also identified. The analysis of the interview data of healthcare professionals revealed two themes, namely, harvest and challenges in transitional care services work and expectations for future development of transitional care services. Four subthemes were also identified.

Conclusions: The transitional care of discharged patients with PTBD tubes deserves the attention of clinical workers, and a series of measures should be taken to improve transitional care services.

Patient/public contribution: Patients were involved in the formulation of interview questions for this study, and during the interviews, patients presented their suggestions for transitional care services. Healthcare professionals participated in this study as interviewees, and no members of the public were involved in this study.

Keywords: percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage; qualitative study; transitional care.