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Engaging patients and families in communication across transitions of care: An integrative review

journal contribution
posted on 2020-06-01, 00:00 authored by Tracey BucknallTracey Bucknall, Alison HutchinsonAlison Hutchinson, Mari BottiMari Botti, Lauren McTierLauren McTier, Helen Rawson, Danielle HitchDanielle Hitch, Nicky HewittNicky Hewitt, Robin DigbyRobin Digby, M Fossum, A McMurray, A P Marshall, B M Gillespie, W Chaboyer
© 2020 Objective: To determine the current evidence about patient and family engagement in communication with health professionals during transitions of care to, within and from acute care settings. Methods: An integrative review using seven international databases was conducted for 2003–2017. Forty eligible studies were analysed and synthesised using framework synthesis. Results: Four themes: 1) Partnering in care: patients and families should be partners in decision-making and care; 2) Augmenting communication during transitions: intrinsic and extrinsic factors supported transition communication between patients, families and health professionals; 3) Impeding information exchange: the difficulties faced by patients and families taking an active role in transition; and 4) Outcomes of communication during transitions: reported experiences for patients, families and health professionals. Conclusion: While attitudes towards engaging patients and family in transition communication in acute settings are generally positive, current practices are variable. Structural supports for practice are not always present. Practice implications: Organisational strategies to improve communication must incorporate an understanding of patient needs. A structured approach which considers timing, privacy, location and appropriateness for patients and families is needed. Communication training is required for patients, families and health professionals. Health professionals must respect a patient's right to be informed by regularly communicating.

History

Journal

Patient Education and Counseling

Volume

103

Issue

6

Pagination

1104 - 1117

Publisher

Elsevier

Location

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

ISSN

0738-3991

eISSN

1873-5134

Language

eng

Publication classification

C1 Refereed article in a scholarly journal