Scandinavian journal of caring sciences
-
To evaluate and improve the quality of care provided, it is of vital importance to investigate the quality of care in the context of health care. Patient satisfaction is a significant indicator of the quality of care. Consequently, quality work includes investigations that map out patient satisfaction with nursing care. ⋯ The bulk of the literature included in the study came from the UK, Sweden and the USA. This means that the results should be applicable to health care in the western world. An important implication for future research is to continue to elucidate the factors that influence satisfaction with nursing care, as seen from the patient's perspective.
-
This paper reports on the evaluation stage of an action research project on interprofessional collaboration in discharge planning. Findings from interviews with health care professionals working in the acute sector had revealed concerns about discharge planning and multidisciplinary teamwork. In the United Kingdom the National Health Service (NHS) Plan has reinforced the need for an integrated approach to health care. ⋯ Methods of evaluation used were: (i) stakeholder interviews, (ii) interprofessional audit and (iii) analysis of the variances from the integrated care pathway. The evaluation revealed that although integrated care pathways led to improved outcomes for the health care trust there was little evidence to suggest that interprofessional relationships and communication were enhanced. Furthermore, key factors in discharge delays appeared to be organizational rather than professional.