To explore the care experiences of patients with chronic conditions in hospitals and identify areas for improvement in the context of comprehensive care delivery.
A sequential explanatory mixed-method study.
The study includes a cross-sectional survey (n = 311) and semi-structured interviews (n = 43) with patients with chronic conditions who attended an Australian hospital. Quantitative data were analysed using RStudio and presented using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. Survey responses were categorised into themes aligned with interview findings and qualitative insights were used to contextualise and explain quantitative results.
Overall, the care experience of patients with chronic conditions in hospitals was positive, but there was room for improvement. Ten themes were identified where improvement was needed, including patient inclusion in shared decision-making, patients' needs and care coordination.
Various gaps in care were identified that affected patients' hospital experiences. Many of these gaps are amenable to change, highlighting significant opportunities for improving patient hospital experiences.
Healthcare professionals should make more efforts to involve patients in shared decision-making, work collaboratively, address both the medical and psychological needs of patients and provide them with guidance and information.
The findings revealed the patient's hospital experiences in the context of comprehensive care delivery and identified areas requiring improvement.
The CROSS and The COREQ guidelines were followed.
The study protocol was presented to stakeholders from two hospitals in Australia, a Patient and Carer Advisory Board and the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care, and discussions were held to assess the relevance and significance of this study to clinical practice and health policy.
This research offers valuable feedback on patients' care experiences in hospital settings following the implementation of the national Comprehensive Care Standard, providing insights into gaps in care and informing global efforts to enhance patient-centred comprehensive care.
To explore the care experiences of informal carers of people with chronic conditions in hospitals and identify areas for improvement in the context of comprehensive care delivery.
A explanatory sequential mixed-method study.
This study was conducted, involving a survey with 182 carers and interviews with 31 carers of individuals who attended an Australian hospital. Descriptive analysis of quantitative data was performed using RStudio, while thematic analysis of qualitative data was conducted using NVivo.
The findings revealed seven overarching components of care that influenced carers' hospital experiences and their perceptions of care quality. Areas requiring improvement were identified within these categories.
This review identifies common perspectives of informal carers of people with chronic conditions in hospital settings and highlights important areas that require attention to improve carers' hospital care experiences. Carers should be welcomed, involved, informed and supported during hospital attendance to foster the most positive care experiences.
Healthcare professionals should involve carers in assessment, shared decision-making and the care process and recognise and address carers' needs.
The findings revealed the carer's hospital experiences in the context of comprehensive care delivery and identified areas requiring improvement.
The CROSS and the COREQ guidelines were followed.
The study protocol was presented to stakeholders from two hospitals in Australia, a Patient and Carer Advisory Board (attached to the parent project: evaluating Quality of Care (eQC)) and the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care, and discussions were held to assess the relevance and significance of this study to clinical practice and health policy.