Safe transfer of elderly patients across care settings : the STEP study

Abstract

Patient safety has become a prime consideration for health care facilities since publication of the report 'To Err is Human' in 1999. Elderly patients are recognised as a high-risk group for errors and adverse events during hospitalisation, particularly as they move between settings to receive care for their comorbid and chronic conditions. With the ageing Australian population, incidence of errors and adverse events during hospitalisation remains of major concern and have significant implications for health care providers, individuals and their families. Commonly reported adverse events include errors involving medications and falls. Loss of patient information has been associated with nursing and medical mismanagement. At transition points, poor communication of medical information is responsible for 50% of all medication errors and 20% of adverse drug events in hospitals. Researchers have developed various strategies to minimise errors and adverse events, with varying results. These strategies include the use of electronic computerised physician order entry, discharge planner and transition coordinators. Despite these strategies, errors and adverse events commonly occur during hospitalisation and the incidence is increasing, particularly for the elderly patients. Therefore, this study seeks to increase knowledge of factors that contribute to errors and adverse events as a result of elderly patients transfer across care sites. It aims to close a gap in the research literature by developing and implementing a practical, low cost strategy that promote communication during care transfer. The overall aim of this thesis is to develop a strategy that promotes safe transfer of elderly patients across care settings (STEP Study).

Date of Award	2010
Original language	English