Exploring the lived experiences of the consumers of the Transition Care Program

Introduction:
The Transition Care Program (TCP) provides short-term, goal-orientated, therapy-focussed, client-centred care for older people across Australia, following discharge from hospital, to maximise functional independence, prevent readmission to hospital and prevent premature admission to permanent care. Several studies have identified positive consumer outcomes from TCP, although there is limited research on the consumer’s lived experiences of the program.

Objective:
This study aimed to gain an understanding of the lived experiences of consumers of a metropolitan Queensland TCP site to assist in quality improvement by identifying any opportunities for service improvement to better meet consumers’ needs.

Method:
A qualitative phenomenological approach was utilised to gain an understanding of the consumer’s lived experience while participating in the TCP. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with consumers who had recently discharged from the program. Interview data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results/practice implications/findings:
Themes included that consumers were very satisfied with the service, praising the knowledge, skills, and communication from the staff. Consumers were also satisfied with several client-centred aspects of the service, including their engagement in decision-making throughout the program, the individually tailored services, and the quality of the services received. Additional findings suggested that areas for improvement could include increasing consumer’s initial understanding of the TCP and clarifying expectations, as well as streamlining transition between healthcare services.

Conclusion:
An understanding of consumer perspectives of healthcare services can assist in the delivery of client-centred healthcare services that effectively meet consumer’s needs