Family Practice Vol. 16, No. 3, 289-293
© Oxford University Press 1999
Can GP input into discharge planning result in better outcomes for the frail aged: results from a randomized controlled trial
Division of General Practice, Central Sydney Area Health Service, 37 Booth Street, BALMAIN NSW 2041,
a Department of General Practice, University of Sydney, 37A Booth Street, BALMAIN NSW 2041,
b Group General Manager, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and Concord Repatriation & General Hospital, Central Sydney Area Health Service, Executive Suite, Concord Hospital, CONCORD NSW 2139 and
c Clinical Director, General, Geriatric and Rehabilitation Medicine, Central Sydney Area Health Service, Department of Geriatric Medicine, Concord Hospital, CONCORD NSW 2139, Australia.
Objective. We aimed to assess whether GP input into discharge planning for high-risk aged in-patients admitted under the care of a geriatrician results in improved patient outcomes.
Methods. We conducted a prospective randomized controlled trial in Sydney, Australia. The subjects were 364 patients aged 60 years and over. The main outcome measures included community service referral, accommodation changes, length of stay, readmission rate, length of time to first readmission and patient satisfaction with discharge arrangements.
Results. No significant differences were found with regard to length of stay, readmission rates or time to first readmission. Test-group subjects were significantly more likely to be recommended for community services at discharge and to report that hospital personnel had discussed their discharge plan with them. Significantly more of the test group reported that their return home was well prepared.
Conclusions. Although GP pre-discharge visits did not alter the likelihood of ‘hard outcomes such as risk of readmission’, the results suggest that quality of care is enhanced amongst patients receiving a pre-discharge visit and that GPs can perform a key role in planning post-discharge care with other services.
Keywords. Discharge planning, elderly readmission, GP.
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