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1 "Discharge support program"
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Original Article
Provider Perspectives, Barriers, and Improvement Strategies for Hospital Discharge Support Programs: A Focus Group Interview Study in Korea
Jae Woo Choi, Aejung Yoo, Hyojung Bang, Hyun-Kyung Park, Hyun-Ji Lee, Hyejin Lee
J Prev Med Public Health. 2024;57(6):572-585.   Published online October 4, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.24.275
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AbstractAbstract AbstractSummary PDFSupplementary Material
Objectives
Transitional periods, such as patient discharge, are notably challenging. This study aimed to explore the perceptions of providers involved in hospital discharge support programs, identify the primary obstacles, and propose strategies for improvement.
Methods
In this qualitative cross-sectional study, we interviewed 49 healthcare professionals, comprising doctors, nurses, and social workers, who participated in two pilot programs. We organized focus group interviews with 3-6 participants per group, segmented by the type of discharge support program and profession. For data analysis, we employed phenomenological analysis, a qualitative method.
Results
Participants recognized the importance of the discharge support program and anticipated its benefits. The Rehabilitation Hospital Discharge Patient Support program saw more active involvement from doctors than the Establishment of a Public Health-Medical Collaboration System program. Both programs highlighted the critical need for more staff and better compensation, as identified by the doctors. Nurses and social workers cited the heavy documentation burden, uncooperative attitudes from patients and local governments, and other issues. They also anticipated that program improvements could be achieved through the standardization of regional welfare services and better coordination by local governments serving as welfare service regulators. All groups—doctors, nurses, and social workers—underscored the significance of promoting these programs.
Conclusions
Discharge support programs are crucial for patients with functional impairments and severe illnesses, particularly in ensuring continuity of care. Policy support is essential for the successful implementation of these programs in Korea.
Summary
Korean summary
퇴원 지원 사업에 참여하는 의사, 간호사, 사회복지사 등 퇴원지원사업 담당자를 대상으로 시범사업 수행에 있어 주요 문제점과 개선방안을 인터뷰를 통해 조사하였을 때 참가자들은 퇴원 지원 사업이 필요하고 특히 기능 저하가 심한 환자들에게 도움이 될 것이라고 응답하였다. 그러나, 의사의 참여 부족, 연계 가능한 서비스의 부족, 다학제 팀구성이 어려운 보상 수준, 의료기관 간 의사소통의 문제 등 어려움을 지적하였다. 다학제팀 구성과 안정적인 운영을 위한 적절한 수가와 인센티브 구조 마련, 지역과의 네트워크와 지방정부 중심의 조정기능 강화가 문제 해결에 도움이 될 수 있을 것이다.
Key Message
Interviews with doctors, nurses, and social workers involved in discharge support programs revealed key challenges and improvement strategies during pilot projects. Participants acknowledged the necessity of discharge support programs, particularly for patients with severe functional impairments. However, they pointed out difficulties such as insufficient participation from doctors, a lack of available services, inadequate compensation hindering multidisciplinary team, and communication issues between medical institutions. Establishing appropriate reimbursement and incentive structures for stable multidisciplinary team operation, strengthening networks with local communities, and enhancing coordination led by local governments could help address these challenges.

JPMPH : Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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