Journal article
Older Adults' Process of Collaborating with a Support Team during Transitions from Hospital to Home: A Grounded Theory Study
The Gerontologist, Vol.64(4), pp.1-11
04/01/2024
DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnad096
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Little is known about how older adults engage with multiple sources of support and resources during transitions from hospital to home, a period of high vulnerability. This study aims to describe how older adults identify and collaborate with a support team, including unpaid/family caregivers, healthcare providers, and professional and social networks, during the transition. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS This study utilized grounded theory methodology. One-on-one interviews were conducted with adults aged 60 and older following their discharge from a medical/surgical inpatient unit in a large midwestern teaching hospital. Data were analyzed using open, axial, and selective coding. RESULTS Participants (N = 25) ranged from 60-82 years of age, 11 were female, and all participants were white, non-Hispanic. They described a process of identifying a support team and collaborating with that team to manage at home and progress their health, mobility, and engagement. Support teams varied, but included collaborations between the older person, unpaid/family caregiver(s), and their healthcare providers. Their collaboration was impacted by the participant's professional and social networks. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS Older adults collaborate with multiple sources of support and this collaboration is a dynamic process that varies across phases of their transition from hospital to home. Findings reveal opportunities for assessing individual's support and social networks, in addition to health and functional status, to determine needs and leverage resources during transitions in care.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Older Adults' Process of Collaborating with a Support Team during Transitions from Hospital to Home: A Grounded Theory Study
- Creators
- Daniel Liebzeit - University of IowaOlivia Geiger - University of IowaSaida Jaboob - University of IowaSamantha Bjornson - University of IowaAndrea Strayer - University of IowaHarleah Buck - University of IowaNicole E Werner - Indiana University Bloomington
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- The Gerontologist, Vol.64(4), pp.1-11
- DOI
- 10.1093/geront/gnad096
- ISSN
- 0016-9013
- eISSN
- 1758-5341
- Grant note
- name: Barbara and Richard Csomay Gerontology Research Award
- Language
- English
- Electronic publication date
- 07/12/2023
- Date published
- 04/01/2024
- Academic Unit
- Nursing
- Record Identifier
- 9984444127902771
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