Improving outcomes for patients discharged early using a home assessment scheme

BACKGROUND: With increased delayed discharges from acute NHS hospitals, especially for older patients, solutions like the ‘Discharge to Assess’ (D2A) scheme aim to facilitate quicker discharge and improve experiences for patients and carers. SETTING: This report examines the quality process from the patient perspective of the D2A scheme implemented in a London Northwest Healthcare NHS Trust (LNWHT). A retrospective audit was conducted using the first cohort of patients discharged through this pilot scheme from April to July 2017. QUESTION: A brief study to explore patient views of their experience of the D2A scheme. METHODS: An opportunistic audit comprised of brief telephone interviews with patients following discharge from hospital through the D2A scheme. RESULTS: 30 patients who had been discharged with the D2A scheme, agreed to participate. Overall, patients were positive about their experience and valued the support and services provided. However, there were concerns on the issue of communication. The scheme effectiveness from the patient’s perspective improved over the duration of the evaluation. DISCUSSION: Patients’ views about their experiences changed over time, which included patients’ perceptions of the discharge process, patients’ expectations and the way in which they were able to access services.