Information Booklet for Hospital Staff about care Home Services

Primary Theme:  Facilitating Transitions

Cohort 9 (2021-22)

Project Title

Information booklet for hospital staff about care home services.

Aim of Project

Designing an information booklet to help hospital staff choose the right care settings for their patients.

Description of the Intervention

Participants explored how care home placement decisions could be better supported for older people transitioning from acute hospital settings. Participants represented a broad range of health and social care environments and identified concerns that increasing pressures on hospital services were contributing to individuals being placed in care settings that were not always best suited to their needs. This was perceived as having the potential to create unnecessary stress and uncertainty for residents, families and care staff.

Recognising the importance of informed decision-making during care transitions, the cohort focused on improving access to clear information about the different types of care home provision available. The initiative aimed to support healthcare professionals, particularly hospital staff involved in discharge planning, to make more informed and person-centred decisions when advising individuals and families about longer-term care options.

Who was involved?

Residents, families and staff.

Changes Implemented

Following discussion and exploration of the challenges associated with care home placement, participants developed an accessible information booklet that clearly described the range of care settings available and the services provided within each setting. The resource was designed to support hospital staff in identifying and recommending the most appropriate care environment for individuals based on their needs and circumstances.

The booklet provided information on different types of care provision and helped to clarify the distinctions between care settings, enabling staff to have more informed conversations with residents and families during the discharge and transition process. By improving understanding of available options, the resource sought to promote better matching of individuals to appropriate care environments and reduce the risk of unsuitable placements.

The key outcomes of this initiative included:

  • Improved access to information regarding available care settings and services.
  • Enhanced support for hospital staff involved in discharge planning.
  • Increased opportunity for person-centred and informed decision-making.
  • Greater confidence among residents and families when considering care home options.
  • Improved potential for individuals to be placed in care settings that best meet their needs and preferences.

Sustainability and Spread

This initiative demonstrated how a relatively simple intervention, providing clear and accessible information, can support better transition planning and contribute to a more positive experience for older people and their families when moving into long-term care.

Future Development

Ideally further work with acute services could enhance this work.

Types of Services