Study honoured for warnings on hospital readmissions among older people

An award-winning paper has warned that older people can feel unheard and unsupported as they leave hospital.

Southampton researchers looked at why some older people end up back in the hospital within 30 days of being discharged. 

Their analysis suggests that listening to what matters most to older people can result in better care.

The study brought together insights from a multi-disciplinary team. This included Dr Harnish Patel from the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre (BRC).

The research has now been recognised as an outstanding paper by the International Journal of Older People Nursing (IJOPN).

Voices behind readmission

Researchers interviewed ten adults aged 65 and over who had an unplanned readmission. The discussions sought to understand what the experience was like for them.

The participants said they often felt left out of decisions about their own care, describing it as “all about me without me.”

They also felt that support after leaving the hospital was inconsistent or confusing. Many said they returned because their original health problems weren’t fully resolved, or they didn’t get the help they needed at home.

Another big issue was that health and social care services often didn’t work well together. This made it hard for people to get proper support.

The study suggests hospitals should involve patients more in decisions. It also recommends better communication so older people feel supported and are less likely to be readmitted.

International journal honour

The IJOPN paper has been recognised with the journal’s Award for Outstanding Scholarly Contribution to Gerontological Nursing Research.

It was led by Fanis Stavrou. The authors were from the University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton. They include Professor Jo Adams, Dr Harnish Patel, Dr Ivaylo Vassilev and Dr Dinesh Samuel.

Dr Patel said: “Our interviews show that many older people feel left out of decisions about their own care. This has real consequences for their recovery.

"These findings give us a real opportunity to change the system so that older adults feel valued, heard, and properly supported.”

Post-discharge struggles

The research complements findings from another Southampton-led review.

This paper, published in Geriatrics, found that older people often experience loneliness, anxiety and depression after leaving hospital.

This was mainly because they don’t get enough support and feel unprepared for life at home.

It concluded that hospitals should check for these psychological needs before discharge. This would mean problems can be spotted early and older adults can stay healthier and more independent.