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Evaluating step-down, intermediate care programme in Buckinghamshire, UK: a mixed methods study

  • Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust
    ,
  • Buckinghamshire Health and Social Care Academy
Research Output: Contribution to journal Article Peer-review

Open access

Abstract

Intermediate care (IC) services are models of care that aim to bridge the gap between hospital and home, enabling continuity of care and the transition to the community. The purpose of this study was to explore patient experience with a step-down, intermediate care unit in Buckinghamshire, UK. A mixed-methods study design was used. Twenty-eight responses to a patient feedback questionnaire were analysed and seven qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted. The eligible participants were patients who had been admitted to the step-down IC unit. Interview transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. Our interview data generated five core themes: (1) "Being uninformed", (2) "Caring relationships with health practitioners", (3) "Experiencing good intermediate care", (4) "Rehabilitation" and (5) "Discussing the care plan". When comparing the quantitative to the qualitative data, these themes are consistent. Overall, the patients reported that the admission to the step-down care facility was positive. Patients highlighted the supportive relationship they formed with healthcare professionals in the IC and that the rehabilitation that was offered in the IC service was important in increasing mobility and regaining their independence. In addition, patients reported that they were largely unaware about their transfer to the IC unit before this occurred and they were also unaware of their discharge package of care. These findings will inform the evolving patient-centred journey for service development within intermediate care.

Publication Information

Output type

Research Output: Contribution to journal Article Peer-review

Original language

English

Article number

1087

Journal (Volume, Issue Number)

BMC International Health and Human Rights (Volume 23, Issue 1)

Publication milestones

  • Accepted/In press - 10/05/2023
  • Published - 06/06/2023

Publication status

Published - 06/06/2023

External Publication IDs

  • handle.net: 10547/625886
  • PubMed: 37280556
  • Scopus: 85161068496

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