Hospital Discharge Decisions Concerning Older Patients: Understanding the Underlying Process

Abstract

We aimed to understand clinical decision-making processes that influence the orientation of older patients after hospital discharge. We compared discharge decisions (i.e., discharge home, or nursing home stay) of the hospital team with those of an expert panel. Both panel and hospital team made their decisions independently. The blind study included 102 patients (mean age: 83.13 ± 6.74). There is a statistically significant difference between expert and hospital team decisions (p < 0.001 respectively). Discharge planning models differ depending on the country, team and patient's condition. Our study suggests more precise evaluation of patients' needs.