Tímarit hjúkrunarfræðinga - 2022, Page 92

In recent years, more than 100 elderly people at
any given time have had to experience delayed
discharge from Landspitali. The main objective of
this research was to analyze the discharge planning
challenges at Landspitali, the consequences of
this problem and what solutions could possibly be
found.
A descriptive qualitative research method with
grounded theory was used in the form of interviews
and analysis of the information obtained.
Interviews were conducted with six employees
of Landspitali who have experience in discharge
planning challenges.
The results indicate a need for solutions, both
inside the hospital and outside in the community.
Employees of Landspitali need to start the
discharge process much earlier and improve
its quality. The resources outside the hospital
need to be increased, those that already already
should be reinforced and the integrated services
simplified. It is important to formulate a holistic
policy on the care of the elderly, with clear roles and
responsibilities, and look at the bigger picture while
continuing to work on improvements for viable
options for everybody.
Aim
Results
ENGLISH SUMMARY
Discharge planning challenges at the
Landspitali – The National University
Hospital of Iceland: Search for solutions
in elderly care
Method
Elderly, discharge planning challenges, harmful
waiting time, job load, improvements
Correspondent:
fridanni@gmail.com
Conclusion
Keywords
Discharge planning challenges at the Landspitali – The National University Hospital of Iceland
Hermannsdottir, G., Sigurdardottir, S. H.
The discharge planning challenges have an
extensive and negative effect on the hospital´s
activities, its staff, patients and their families.
These challenges put pressure on the flow of
patients, the discharge work is extensive, and
many obstacles were identified. Within the hospital
itself, the discharge planning is brought up late
in the admission process, and documentation
is often deficient. Outside the hospital, there is
a lack of resources, coordination and flexibility.
Employees of Landspitali experience stress,
difficult communication and desperation when
it comes to discharging patients. Elderly patients
experience anxiety due to uncertainty, and the
waiting time has a detrimental effect on their health
and capability. Their families feel helpless and
desperately want security for their close relatives.
All the interlocutors reported negative attitudes
toward elderly people in society and felt that the
authorities lacked professional knowledge on the
issues of the elderly.