The development and validation of a conceptual definition of avoidable transitions from long-term care to the emergency department: A mixed methods study.

Background/Objectives: Transitions to and from Emergency Departments (EDs) can be detrimental to long-term care (LTC) residents and burden the healthcare system. While reducing avoidable transfers is imperative, various terms are used interchangeably including inappropriate, preventable, or unnecessary transitions. Our study objectives were to develop a conceptual definition of avoidable LTC-ED transitions and to verify the level of stakeholder agreement with this definition. Methods: The EXamining Aged Care Transitions study adopted an exploratory sequential mixed-method design. The study was conducted in 2015-2016 in 16 LTC facilities, 1 ED, and 1 Emergency Medical Service (EMS) in a major urban center in western Canada. Phase 1 included 80 participants, (healthcare aides, licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, LTC managers, family members of residents, and EMS staff). We conducted semistructured interviews (n = 25) and focus groups (n = 19). In Phase 2, 327 ED staff, EMS staff, LTC staff, and medical directors responded to a survey based on the qualitative findings. Results: Avoidable transitions were attributed to limited resources in LTC, insufficient preventive care, and resident or family wishes. The definition generated was: A transition of an LTC resident to the ED is considered avoidable if: (a) Diagnostic testing, medical assessment, and treatment can be accessed in a timely manner by other means; (b) the reasons for a transfer are unclear and the transition would increase the disorientation, pain, or discomfort of a resident, outweighing a clear benefit of a transfer; and (c) the transition is against the wishes expressed by the resident over time, including through informal and undocumented conversations. There was a high level of agreement with the definition across the four participant groups. Conclusions and Implications: To effectively reduce LTC resident avoidable transitions, stakeholders must share a common definition. Our conceptual definition may significantly contribute to improved care for LTC residents.

Challenges in the Transition from Acute Hospital Care to Home for Spanish-Speaking Latino Patients with TBI and Families: Perspectives of Healthcare Providers and Interpreters.

Language-based disparities negatively impact patient outcomes. Spanish-speaking Latino patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) transitioning home from acute hospital care and their families have poor TBI-related outcomes; further, they have significant difficulties navigating the healthcare system due to care fragmentation and limited provider support. These challenges are exacerbated by language barriers. There are disproportionately fewer bilingual providers and interpreters in the U.S. healthcare system for patients with TBI for whom English is not their primary language. Although Spanish-speaking Latino patients with TBI and their families communicate with healthcare providers using interpreters on a regular basis, limited research has explored the healthcare delivery perspective. The purpose of this study was to understand the perspectives of healthcare providers and interpreters regarding their experience caring for or supporting Spanish-speaking Latino patients with TBI and their families during the transition home from acute hospital care. This qualitative descriptive study included 10 bilingual (English and Spanish-speaking) participants: 7 interdisciplinary providers and 3 interpreters; findings were analyzed using rapid qualitative analysis to inform intervention adaptation. Four themes were identified: 1) language misalignment decreases health literacy and increases length of stay; 2) TBI-related cognitive impairments, coupled with language differences, make communication challenging; 3) unique social contributors to health directly decrease health equity; and 4) recommendations to improve access and justice in transitional care. There are multiple opportunities to improve transitional care support provided to Spanish-speaking Latino patients with TBI and their families in a manner that is not currently being addressed in research or in practice.

Health-illness transition processes in children with complex chronic conditions and their parents: a scoping review.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of complex chronic conditions (CCC), which cause serious limitations and require specialized care, is increasing. The diagnosis of a CCC is a health-illness transition for children and their parents, representing a long-term change leading to greater vulnerability. Knowing the characteristics of these transitional processes is important for promoting safe transitions in this population. This scoping review aimed to map the available evidence on health-illness transition processes in children with complex chronic conditions and their parents in the context of healthcare. METHODS: Six databases were searched for studies focusing on children aged 0-21 years with CCC and their parents experiencing health-illness transition processes, particularly concerning adaptation to illness and continuity of care, in the context of healthcare. Studies within this scope carried out between 2013 and 2023 and written in Portuguese or English were identified. The articles were selected using the PRISMA methodology. The data were extracted to an instrument and then presented with a synthesizing approach supporting the interpretation of the results. RESULTS: Ninety-eight methodologically broad but predominantly qualitative articles were included in this review. Children with CCC have specific needs associated with complex and dynamic health-illness transitions with a multiple influence in their daily lives. Several facilitating factors (p.e. positive communication and a supportive therapeutic relationship with parents and professionals, as well as involvement in a collaborative approach to care), inhibiting factors (p.e. the complexity of the disease and therapeutic regime, as well as the inefficient organization and coordination of teams) and both positive (p.e. well-being and better quality of life) and negative response patterns (p.e. negative feelings about the chronic illness) were identified. Some interventions to support the transitional process also emerged from the literature. Pediatric palliative care is seen as a good practice and an integrative approach for these children and families. CONCLUSION: Health professionals play a fundamental role in supporting the transitional process and promoting positive response patterns. More significant investment is needed at the clinical and academic levels regarding production and dissemination of knowledge in this area to ensure the awareness of children with CCC and that their needs are fully enhanced. REVIEW REGISTRATION: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/QRZC8 .

Clinical outcomes of nurse-coordinated interventions for frail older adults discharged from hospital: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIM: To determine the effects of nurse-coordinated interventions in improving readmissions, cumulative hospital stay, mortality, functional ability and quality of life for frail older adults discharged from hospital. DESIGN: Systematic review with meta-analysis. METHODS: A systematic search using key search terms of 'frailty', 'geriatric', 'hospital' and 'nurse'. Covidence was used to screen individual studies. Studies were included that addressed frail older adults, incorporated a significant nursing role in the intervention and were implemented during hospital admission with a focus on transition from hospital to home. DATA SOURCES: This review searched MEDLINE (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCO), PubMed (EBSCO), Scopus, Embase (Ovid) and Cochrane library for studies published between 2000 and September 2023. RESULTS: Of 7945 abstracts screened, a total 16 randomised controlled trials were identified. The 16 randomised controlled trials had a total of 8795 participants, included in analysis. Due to the heterogeneity of the outcome measures used meta-analysis could only be completed on readmission (n = 13) and mortality (n = 9). All other remaining outcome measures were reported through narrative synthesis. A total of 59 different outcome measure assessments and tools were used between studies. Meta-analysis found statistically significant intervention effect at 1-month readmission only. No other statistically significant effects were found on any other time point or outcome. CONCLUSION: Nurse-coordinated interventions have a significant effect on 1-month readmissions for frail older adults discharged from hospital. The positive effect of interventions on other health outcomes within studies were mixed and indistinct, this is attributed to the large heterogeneity between studies and outcome measures. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: This review should inform policy around transitional care recommendations at local, national and international levels. Nurses, who constitute half of the global health workforce, are ideally situated to provide transitional care interventions. Nurse-coordinated models of care, which identify patient needs and facilitate the continuation of care into the community improve patient outcomes. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND/OR PATIENT CARE: Review findings will be useful for key stakeholders, clinicians and researchers to learn more about the essential elements of nurse-coordinated transitional care interventions that are best targeted to meet the needs of frail older adults. IMPACT: When frail older adults experience transitions in care, for example discharging from hospital to home, there is an increased risk of adverse events, such as institutionalisation, hospitalisation, disability and death. Nurse-coordinated transitional care models have shown to be a potential solution to support adults with specific chronic diseases, but there is more to be known about the effectiveness of interventions in frail older adults. This review demonstrated the positive impact of nurse-coordinated interventions in improving readmissions for up to 1 month post-discharge, helping to inform future transitional care interventions to better support the needs of frail older adults. REPORTING METHOD: This systematic review was reported in accordance with the Referred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No Patient or Public Contribution.

A Qualitative Exploration of Stroke Survivors' Experiences of Using a Stroke Helpline.

BACKGROUND: StrokeLine is a stroke-specific helpline used by stroke survivors and their families in Australia to access professional support. There has been little research exploring stroke survivors' experiences of using helplines and their perceived impact on their stroke recovery. AIM: The aim of this study is to explore the reasons prompting stroke survivors to call StrokeLine and their experiences and to describe the perceived impact of calling StrokeLine on their recovery. METHODS: An exploratory descriptive qualitative study was undertaken using thematic analysis of data collected through semi-structured interviews of stroke survivors between December 2020 and May 2022. Participants were recruited using purposive sampling. Interviews were conducted via audio-recorded Zoom conference calling and transcribed verbatim for thematic analysis. RESULTS: A total of eight callers (four men and women women) participated, with the time since stroke ranging from 3.5 months to 5 years. Four major themes were identified, including 17 sub-themes. Key themes included (1) factors prompting use of StrokeLine; (2) experience of using StrokeLine; (3) perceived impact of using StrokeLine; and (4) conceptualising StrokeLine service provision. CONCLUSIONS: Participants perceived their experience of contacting StrokeLine as having a positive impact on their stroke recovery, leaving them feeling empowered and motivated to self-manage their condition. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Stroke survivors with lived experience influenced the conceptualisation of this study through conversations with consumers and the Stroke Foundation. Eight stroke survivors were involved as participants in the research study.

Transitional Urology in Korea: Initial Insights Through a Cross-Sectional Study.

PURPOSE: In Korea, the field of transitional urology (TU) is in its nascent stages, with its introduction only beginning. This study aims to evaluate the existing state of TU prior to implementing a transition protocol, and to identify key areas of focus for the development of an effective transition protocol. METHODS: From June 1, 2021 to May 31, 2023, clinical data were retrospectively collected for patients who visited the adult urology or pediatric urology outpatient departments of this hospital and were aged 10 or older, with medical conditions falling under the category of TU. We analyzed the patient distribution across different disease groups. The transitional stages were categorized from T1, indicating initial care by pediatric urologists, to T4, denoting complete transition to adult care. 'T4x' was used for patients with unknown medical histories, and 'T4only' for those who had never been under pediatric urology care. RESULTS: During a 2-year period, a total of 1,484 patients received outpatient care for diseases in TU field. The most prevalent diseases were hypospadias (40.4%), spinal bifida (37.3%), and congenital ureteral anomalies (17.7%), with other conditions accounting for 4.6%. Among 553 spinal bifida patients, only 5.3% completed transitional care (T4), while 80.1% were in the initial phase (T1). For patients introduced to adult urology (T2-T4), 37.7% reached T4, highlighting a marked increase in transition completion within this subset (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: TU in Korea is in its nascent stage, with a significant gap in the initiation and completion of transitional care for patients with congenital urologic conditions. Early initiation and active engagement in transitional care are crucial for successful transition. This study highlights the need for structured transition protocols to address the complex needs of this patient population.

Paramedic-Assisted Community Evaluation After Discharge: The PACED Intervention.

OBJECTIVES: Early rehospitalization of frail older adults after hospital discharge is harmful to patients and challenging to hospitals. Mobile integrated health (MIH) programs may be an effective solution for delivering community-based transitional care. The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility and implementation of an MIH transitional care program. DESIGN: Pilot clinical trial of a transitional home visit conducted by MIH paramedics within 72 hours of hospital discharge. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Patients ≥65 years discharged from an urban hospital with a system-adapted eFrailty index ≥0.24 were eligible to participate. METHODS: Participants were enrolled after hospital discharge. Demographic and clinical information were recorded at enrollment and 30 days after discharge from the electronic health record. Data from a comparison group of patients excluded from enrollment due to geographical location was also abstracted. Primary outcomes were intervention feasibility and implementation, which were reported descriptively. Exploratory clinical outcomes included emergency department (ED) visits and rehospitalization within 30 days. Categorical and continuous group comparisons were conducted using χ2 tests and Kruskal-Wallis testing. Binomial regression was used for comparative outcomes. RESULTS: One hundred of 134 eligible individuals (74.6%) were enrolled (median age 81, 64% female). Forty-seven participants were included in the control group (median age 80, 55.2% female). The complete protocol was performed in 92 (92.0%) visits. Paramedics identified acute clinical problems in 23 (23.0%) visits, requested additional services for participants during 34 (34.0%) encounters, and detected medication errors during 34 (34.0%). The risk of 30-day rehospitalization was lower in the Paramedic-Assisted Community Evaluation after Discharge (PACED) group compared with the control (RR, 0.40; CI, 0.19-0.84; P = .03); there was a trend toward decreased risk of 30-day ED visits (RR, 0.61; CI, 0.37-1.37; P = .23). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: This pilot study of an MIH transition care program was feasible with high protocol fidelity. It yields preliminary evidence demonstrating a decreased risk of rehospitalization in frail older adults.

Palliative Pharmacotherapy for Cardiovascular Disease: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association.

Cardiovascular disease exacts a heavy toll on health and quality of life and is the leading cause of death among people ≥65 years of age. Although medical, surgical, and device therapies can certainly prolong a life span, disease progression from chronic to advanced to end stage is temporally unpredictable, uncertain, and marked by worsening symptoms that result in recurrent hospitalizations and excessive health care use. Compared with other serious illnesses, medication management that incorporates a palliative approach is underused among individuals with cardiovascular disease. This scientific statement describes palliative pharmacotherapy inclusive of cardiovascular drugs and essential palliative medicines that work synergistically to control symptoms and enhance quality of life. We also summarize and clarify available evidence on the utility of guideline-directed and evidence-based medical therapies in individuals with end-stage heart failure, pulmonary arterial hypertension, coronary heart disease, and other cardiomyopathies while providing clinical considerations for de-escalating or deprescribing. Shared decision-making and goal-oriented care are emphasized and considered quintessential to the iterative process of patient-centered medication management across the spectrum of cardiovascular disease.

Effectiveness of the transitional care model in total knee arthroplasty patients: A randomized controlled trial.

AIM: This study has aimed to assess the effectiveness of the transitional care model (TCM) on functional status, perceived self-efficacy and healthcare utilization in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHOD: This randomized controlled study was conducted between February and November 2021 in a public hospital. The study randomly assigned patients to either a 6-week 'TCM' program or usual care. The sample size was n = 70, with each group comprising 35 individuals. Patient outcomes, including self-efficacy, functional status and healthcare service readmission rates, were monitored for TKA patients. RESULTS: Nursing care based on the 'TCM' was found to enhance functional status and increase the level of self-efficacy among TKA patients, leading to a decrease in healthcare service readmissions. CONCLUSIONS: The study recommends preparing patients and their families for the preoperative and postoperative processes. It emphasizes the importance of providing necessary training and consultancy services under the leadership of orthopaedic nurses responsible for TKA patient care, guided by the principles of TCM.

The experience of children and family in pediatric home hospitalization: A systematic review of qualitative evidence.

OBJECTIVE: To synthesize the experiences of children and parents/caregivers in the process of pediatric home hospitalization (PHH). INTRODUCTION: The practice of home hospitalization (HH), while not a new concept has expanded in recent years. This model of care consists of continuous care at home for children with acute illness or acute chronic disease and presents itself as an alternative to conventional hospitalization (Middel, 2007; Parab et al., 2013). Excellence in pediatric healthcare is fundamental and this review provides a necessary understanding towards the experiences of children and their families in HH. METHODS: Research was carried out in three phases and included both published and grey literature in the CINAHL, MEDLINE, MedicLatina, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, and OpenAIRE databases to find relevant articles. Studies published in Portuguese, English, Spanish, and French with no time limit were considered. RESULTS: Findings were aggregated into five categories: communication and care experiences, parental dynamics and role carers, benefits and challenges for parents and children, relationship between parents, children's, and healthcare professionals and enhancing continuity of care and family support. According to ConQual the confidence level of the results was moderate in all articles. CONCLUSIONS: Through PHH, it is possible to avoid the impact of a conventional hospitalization since it promotes family union, increases the affective bond, the feeling of security, comfort, tranquillity, relief, confidence, and autonomy, reducing stressors such as anxiety, fear, nervousness, uncertainty, and fear.

Home-based transitional cardiac telerehabilitation in older adults post coronary artery bypass grafting: A randomized controlled trial.

This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effectiveness of a 12-week home-based transitional cardiac telerehabilitation (Hb-T-CTR) program on health-related quality-of-life and therapeutic self-care in older adults' post-Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG). The intervention group (n = 57) underwent Hb-T-CTR, incorporating preoperative counseling, postoperative education, a culturally adapted video, home visits, and telephone counseling, while the control group (n = 61) received standard care. Using the Coronary Revascularization Outcome Questionnaire and the Sidani Doran Therapeutic Self-Care Measure, data were collected at three time points. Results showed significant improvements in overall scores for both health-related quality of life (t1=3.386, P = 0.001; t2=4.224, P < 0.001) and therapeutic self-care (t1=7.104, P < 0.001; t2=4.242, P < 0.001) in the intervention group compared to controls. This telehealth approach provides convenient and accessible rehabilitation services for older adults' post-CABG and highlights the importance of integrating Hb-T-CTR into routine care for personalized rehabilitation. This study underscores the potential of telehealth tools in overcoming barriers and enhancing patient-centered interventions.

A scoping review of hospital to home transitional care programmes for stroke survivors.

AIM: The study was aimed at exploring the current scope of hospital to home transitional care programmes for stroke survivors. BACKGROUND: Stroke survivors face the dilemma of solving many complex problems that leave survivors at high risk for readmission as they discharge from hospital. The transitional care model has proved to be effective in reducing readmissions and mortality, thereby improving health outcomes and enhancing patient satisfaction for survivors with stroke. DESIGN: A scoping review. METHODS: Conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Methodology for Scoping Reviews. DATA SOURCES: A comprehensive search was conducted in nine databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, CINAHL, Medline, China Knowledge Net-work, Wanfang Database and China Biomedical Literature Database (SinoMed) from January 2014 to June 2023. RESULTS: Title and abstract screening was performed on 10,171 articles resulting in 287 articles for full-text screening. Full-text screening yielded 49 articles that met inclusion criteria. CONCLUSION: This study identified transitional care programmes for stroke survivors, as well as areas for future consideration to be explored in more depth to help improve transitional care for stroke survivors as they transition from hospital to home. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND/OR PATIENT CARE: This study demonstrates that multidisciplinary collaboration becomes an integral part of the transitional care model for stroke survivors, which provides comprehensive and precise medical care to them. REPORTING METHOD: PRISMA checklist for scoping reviews. PATIENT AND PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No patient or public contribution was part of this study.

Supported transitional care applied to stroke survivors: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: This meta-analysis aims to assess the outcomes of supported intervention transitional care compared to traditional care for stroke survivors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic literature review was accomplished and 4,437 stroke patients were recruited for the current study; 2,211 of them were treated with transitional care and 2,226 with traditional care. The inclusion criteria of the current study recruited only randomized clinical trials up until November 2023. A random analysis model was used to analyze the continuous and dichotomous models. RESULTS: Supported intervention transitional care (early supported discharge) for stroke survivors showed a significant (p = 0.002) impact regarding the functional status of patients as expressed by the Barthel index (mean difference (MD) = 0.57, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.20-0.94, I² = 93.72%). On the other hand, there were no considerable (p > 0.05) differences regarding other outcomes such as activities of daily living, the Caregiver Strain Index (CSI), the modified Rankin scale (mRS), and mortality (MD = 0.29, 95% CI: -0.12-0.69, I² = 94.5%; MD = -0.13, 95% CI: -0.40-0.14, I² = 68.65%; MD = -0.13, 95% CI: -0.49-0.23, I² = 83.33%; and MD = -0.19, 95% CI: -0.58-0.17, I² = 0%; respectively). CONCLUSION: Supported transitional care allowed stroke survivors to succeed in enhancing their functional status outcomes compared with controls, while there was no significant impact regarding mortality rate. Further investigations and multicenter studies are required to enhance the evidence.

Absolute lymphocyte count as a biomarker for best supportive care transition in metastatic breast cancer.

OBJECTIVES: Time is crucial for patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC), and clinicians are expected to determine the optimal timing for best supportive care (BSC) transition but no evident marker has been established. We recently revealed that absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) was a prognostic marker for patients with MBC. Thus, we investigated whether ALC could be an indicator of the best timing for the BSC transition. METHODS: 101 patients with MBC were retrospectively investigated, and the relationship between clinicopathological factors, including ALC, and the duration of the last treatment was analysed. RESULTS: Mean ALC significantly gradually decreased during the last three systemic treatments towards BSC transition. Patients of younger age, with special histology type, hormone receptor-positive tumours and low ALC at the start of the last treatment had significantly shorter time-to-treatment-termination (TTT) for the last treatment. When ALC was classified into low and high, the mean TTT of the last treatment in the ALC-low group was significantly shorter (16.4 weeks) compared with that in the ALC-high group (30.2 weeks; p=0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that ALC values, which decrease as MBC progresses, could serve as a potential indicator for determining the optimal timing of BSC transition.

Transitional care for older persons with need of geriatric rehabilitation nursing interventions.

BACKGROUND: The literature review notes that people in need of care from Rehabilitation Programs do not always see their continuity ensured. OBJECTIVE: This study aim to analyze the perspective of Specialists Nurse in Rehabilitation Nursing in relation to the organization and specialized intervention of transitional care for older people in need of rehabilitation programs. METHODS: This is a qualitative study within the interpretivist paradigm. A focus group with 8 nurses and 13 interviews with Portuguese nurses were carried out between April 2022 and February 2023. Content analysis was carried out. RESULTS: The triangulation of the data made it possible to identify 3 categories: Coordination of a transitional care program; Empowering the person to self-manage the transitional care process and Empowering the Informal Caregiver. CONCLUSIONS: It is imperative to promote the coordination of transitional care, increase the functional capacity of the person and empower the informal caregiver.

Multi-stage optimization strategy based on contextual analysis to create M-health components for case management model in breast cancer transitional care: the CMBM study as an example.

BACKGROUND: None of the early M-Health applications are designed for case management care services. This study aims to describe the process of developing a M-health component for the case management model in breast cancer transitional care and to highlight methods for solving the common obstacles faced during the application of M-health nursing service. METHODS: We followed a four-step process: (a) Forming a cross-functional interdisciplinary development team containing two sub-teams, one for content development and the other for software development. (b) Applying self-management theory as the theoretical framework to develop the M-health application, using contextual analysis to gain a comprehensive understanding of the case management needs of oncology nursing specialists and the supportive care needs of out-of-hospital breast cancer patients. We validated the preliminary concepts of the framework and functionality of the M-health application through multiple interdisciplinary team discussions. (c) Adopting a multi-stage optimization strategy consisting of three progressive stages: screening, refining, and confirmation to develop and continually improve the WeChat mini-programs. (d) Following the user-centered principle throughout the development process and involving oncology nursing specialists and breast cancer patients at every stage. RESULTS: Through a continuous, iterative development process and rigorous testing, we have developed patient-end and nurse-end program for breast cancer case management. The patient-end program contains four functional modules: "Information", "Interaction", "Management", and "My", while the nurse-end program includes three functional modules: "Consultation", "Management", and "My". The patient-end program scored 78.75 on the System Usability Scale and showed a 100% task passing rate, indicating that the programs were easy to use. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the contextual analysis, multi-stage optimization strategy, and interdisciplinary team work, a WeChat mini-program has been developed tailored to the requirements of the nurses and patients. This approach leverages the expertise of professionals from multiple disciplines to create effective and evidence-based solutions that can improve patient outcomes and quality of care.

Improving patients', carers' and primary care healthcare professionals' experiences of discharge communication from specialist palliative care to community settings: a protocol for a qualitative interview study.

BACKGROUND: Patients who have benefited from specialist intervention during periods of acute/complex palliative care needs often transition from specialist-to-primary care once such needs have been controlled. Effective communication between services is central to co-ordination of care to avoid the potential consequences of unmet needs, fragmented care, and poor patient and family experience. Discharge communications are a key component of care transitions. However, little is known about the experiences of those primarily receiving these communications, to include patients', carers' and primary care healthcare professionals. This study aims to have a better understanding of how the discharge communications from specialist palliative care services to primary care are experienced by patients, carers, and healthcare professionals, and how these communications might be improved to support effective patient-centred care. METHODS: This is a 15-month qualitative study. We will interview 30 adult patients and carers and 15 healthcare professionals (n = 45). We will seek a range of experiences of discharge communication by using a maximum variation approach to sampling, including purposively recruiting people from a range of demographic backgrounds from 4-6 specialist palliative care services (hospitals and hospices) as well as 5-7 general practices. Interview data will be analysed using a reflexive thematic approach and will involve input from the research and advisory team. Working with clinicians, commissioners, and PPI representatives we will co-produce a list of recommendations for discharge communication from specialist palliative care. DISCUSSION: Data collection may be limited by the need to be sensitive to participants' wellbeing needs. Study findings will be shared through academic publications and presentations. We will draft principles for how specialist palliative care clinicians can best communicate discharge with patients, carers, and primary care clinicians. These will be shared with clinicians, policy makers, commissioners, and PPI representatives and key stakeholders and organisations (e.g. Hospice UK) and on social media. Key outputs will be recommendations for a specialist palliative care discharge proforma. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registered in ISRCTN Registry on 29.12.2023 ref: ISRCTN18098027.

La teoría de las transiciones como paradigma de apoyo al automanejo en personas con condiciones crónicas / Transitions theory as a paradigm for supporting self-management in people with chronic conditions / A teoria das transições como paradigma para apoiar a autogestão em pessoas com condições crónicas

Resumen Introducción: La experiencia de vivir con una enfermedad crónica no es una tarea sencilla, se requiere de herramientas que permitan aumentar el grado de conciencia para enfrentar las necesidades y superar desafíos sobre el estado de salud y enfermedad. En los últimos años, se ha instaurado el apoyo al automanejo, con la finalidad de potenciar las habilidades en personas con este tipo de afecciones. Resulta trascendental considerar como desde enfermería se puede contribuir al logro de aquello. El objetivo del presente ensayo es reflexionar acerca de la teoría de las transiciones de Meléis como paradigma de apoyo al automanejo en personas con condiciones crónicas. Desarrollo: La teoría de las transiciones de Meléis establece que las personas están en constante cambio, tal como ocurre en el proceso de transición de salud-enfermedad. Recibir el diagnóstico de una enfermedad crónica, conlleva una serie de procesos complejos para la persona, debido a la multiplicidad de variables que ello implica. La teoría de Meléis entrega lineamientos para orientar a la persona profesional de enfermería sobre elementos claves e interrelacionados, como la concepción previa de la naturaleza de la transición y sus condiciones, lo que servirá para la planificación de modalidades de intervención congruentes con las experiencias de la persona y su evaluación en el transcurso del proceso de salud y enfermedad. Conclusión: El paradigma ofrecido por Meléis puede ser considerado un enfoque clave para emprender el proceso de cuidado de enfermería tendiente a apoyar a las personas con enfermedad crónica en el logro del automanejo.

Abstract Introduction: The experience of living with a chronic disease is not a simple task, since it requires tools that allow increasing the degree of awareness to face the needs and overcome challenges about the state of health and disease. In recent years, support for self-management has been established, with the aim of enhancing the skills of people with this type of condition. It is important to consider how the nursing discipline can contribute to achieve this. The aim of this paper is to reflect on Meléis' theory of transitions as a paradigm to support self-management in people with chronic conditions. Development: Meléis' theory of transitions establishes that people are in constant change, as occurs in the health-illness transition process. Receiving the diagnosis of a chronic disease involves a series of complex processes for the person, due to the multiplicity of variables involved. Meléis' theory provides guidelines to orient the nursing professional on key and interrelated elements, such as the previous conception of the nature of the transition and its conditions, which will serve for the planning of intervention modalities congruent with the person's experiences and their evaluation in the course of the health and disease process. Conclusion: The paradigm offered by Meléis can be considered a key approach to undertake the nursing care process aimed at supporting people with chronic illness in achieving self-management.

Resumo Introdução: A experiênca de viver com uma doença crônica não é uma tarefa simple, pois requer ferramentas que permitam aumentar o nível de consciência para enfrentar as necessidades e superar desafios relativos ao estado de saúde e doença. Nos últimos anos, foi estabelecido o apoio à autogestão, com o objetivo de melhorar as habilidades das pessoas com este tipo de condições. É transcendental considerar como a disciplina de Enfermagem pode contribuir para isso. O objetivo deste ensaio é refletir sobre a teoria das transições de Meleis como paradigma de apoio à autogestão em pessoas com condições crônicas. Desenvolvimento: A teoria das transições de Meléis estabelece que as pessoas estão em constante mudança, como acontece no processo de transição saúde-doença. Receber o diagnóstico de uma doença crónica implica uma série de processos complexos para a pessoa, devido à multiplicidade de variáveis envolvidas. A teoria de Meléis fornece directrizes para orientar o profissional de enfermagem sobre elementos-chave e inter-relacionados, como a conceção prévia da natureza da transição e das suas condições, que servirão para o planeamento de modalidades de intervenção congruentes com as experiências da pessoa e a sua avaliação no decurso do processo saúde-doença. Conclusão: O paradigma oferecido por Meleis pode ser considerado uma abordagem chave para empreender o processo de cuidado de enfermagem que visa apoiar as pessoas com doenças crônicas no alcance do autogerenciamento.

Nationwide Survey on Transitional Care for Patients With Childhood-Onset Cardiomyopathy in Japan.

Background: Individuals transitioning into adulthood require age-appropriate medical care and delegation of decision-making authority from their parents to the patients themselves. Although there have been multiple observational and interventional studies on transitional care for patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) in the cardiovascular field, transitional care specific to childhood-onset cardiomyopathy (CM) remains unaddressed. Methods and Results: A nationwide questionnaire-based survey was performed in the pediatric cardiology departments of 151 facilities in Japan. Responses were obtained from 100 (66%) facilities with low transfer rates (<5%) for childhood-onset CM cases. The comparison between CHD-transferring and non-CHD-transferring facilities revealed a significantly higher transfer rate (83.9%) for childhood-onset CM cases in the CHD-transferring facilities (P<0.001). Regarding the transition programs, 72 (72%) facilities do not offer any programs for CM, while most (92%) facilities recognize its necessity. Finally, only 19 (19%) facilities provided a transition program, 10 of which were CHD based. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate the poor transition/transfer care status of patients with childhood-onset CM in Japan. The transfer rate of CMs was lower than that of CHDs, and transition programs were less available. Referring to the system established for CHD could help develop a successful transitional care system for CM.

Transition of Intensive Care Unit Patients and Their Families to Home After Acute Hospital Care.

Patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) increasingly are expected to eventually return home after acute hospital care. Yet transitional care for ICU patients and their families is often delayed until the patient is about to be transferred to another location or level of care. Transitions theory is a middle-range nursing theory that aims to provide guidance for safe and effective nursing care and research while an individual experiences a transition. Intensive care unit nurses are well positioned to provide ICU transitional care planning early. This article applies the transitions theory as a theoretical model to guide the study of the transition to home after acute hospital care for ICU patients and their families. This theory application can help ICU nurses provide holistic patient- and family-centered transitional care to achieve optimal outcomes by addressing the predischarge and postdischarge needs of patients and families.