Research in hospital discharge procedures addresses gaps in care continuity in the community, but leaves gaping holes for people with dementia: a review of the literature

Abstract

Aim: To examine the literature on the impact of the discharge experience of patients with dementia and their continuity of care.

Methods: Peer-reviewed and grey literature published in the English language between 1995 and 2014 were systematically searched using Medline, CINAHL, PubMed, PsycINFO and Cochrane library databases, using a combination of the search terms Dementia, Caregivers, Integrated Health Care Systems, Managed Care, Patient Discharge. Also reviewed were Department of Health and Ageing and Alzheimer's Australia research reports between 2000 and 2014.

Results: The review found a wide range of studies that raise concerns in relation to the quality of care provided to people with dementia during hospital discharge and in transitional care.

Conclusion: Discharge planning and transitional care for patients with dementia are not adequate and are likely to lead to readmission and other poor health outcomes.

Keywords: caregivers; dementia; integrated health-care systems; managed care; patient discharge.