Desired interprofessional cooperation and care management for discharge support

Abstract

For the smooth transfer of elderly patients from a hospital to a rest home, it is necessary they receive some support before leaving the hospital. However, the health insurance reform, reduction in medical expenditure, and creation of new job category related to medical care act complicate the transfer process creating and increased apprehension of patients and their members. Many health and welfare workers are involved in the process of discharge from the hospital to the rest home. There are many gaps between professional sectors since they involve different points of view and have no strong connection between each other. Thus, it is suggested to set up a discharge support unit with strong management skills in between the professional sectors. Cooperation between the medical care and welfare sectors is necessary for a smooth discharge of patients. To solve this issue and attend to the needs of patients and their family, the professionals need to be united over the barriers. In order to develop a strong base for cooperation, it will be important to develop education that nurtures human resources to manage the gaps.