Older Adults' Experiences of Transitions Between Care Settings at the End of Life in England: A Qualitative Interview Study

• Published in: Journal of pain and symptom management 2012-07, Vol.44 (1), p.74-83
• Main Authors: Hanratty, Barbara, MD, Holmes, Louise, MSc, Lowson, Elizabeth, PhD, Grande, Gunn, PhD, Addington-Hall, Julia, PhD, Payne, Sheila, PhD, Seymour, Jane, PhD
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Anesthesia & Perioperative Care; Biological and medical sciences; Caregivers; Carers; communication; Elderly people; End of life decisions; Female; Health Services Needs and Demand; Hospitalization; Hospitals; Humans; Interviews as Topic; Liaison; Male; Medical sciences; Pain Medicine; Palliative care; Patient Handoff; Patient Safety; Patient Satisfaction; Pharmacology. Drug treatments; Qualitative Research; terminal care; Terminal Care - psychology; Transitions
• ISSN: 0885-3924; 1873-6513
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2011.08.006

Abstract Context Providing care that is shaped around the needs of patients, carers, and families is a challenge in the last months of life, as moves between home and institutions may be frequent. Despite this, there have been few studies of end-of-life transitions in the U.K. Objectives To explore older adults' experiences as they move between places of care at the end of life. Methods In-depth qualitative interviews and thematic analysis of the data were performed. Thirty adults aged between 69 and 93 years took part. All were judged by their physicians to be in the last year of life, diagnosed with heart failure (13), lung cancer (14), and stroke (3). Sixteen participants were from the lowest socioeconomic groups. Results Four themes were identified from the data relating to 1) the prioritization of institutional processes, 2) support across settings, 3) being heard, and 4) dignity. As they moved between different settings, much of the care received by older adults was characterized by inflexibility and a failure of professional carers to listen. Liaison between and within services was not always effective, and community support after a hospital admission was perceived to be, on occasions, absent, inappropriate, or excessive. Conclusion Qualitative study of transitions provides valuable insights into end-of-life care, even in countries where there are few financial barriers to services. This study has highlighted a need for continued attention to basic aspects of care and communication between professionals and with patients.