Demographics and Satisfaction with Discharge Information in Cardio- and Cerebrovascular Patients

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the perceptions of cardio- and cerebrovascular patients recently admitted to public hospitals of their satisfaction with discharge processes and to determine if this differs by demographic groups. Methods: A sample of eligible public hospital inpatients recently discharged after a cardio- or cerebrovascular event was extracted from a consumer experience surveillance system. Respondents were aged ≥16 years and interviewed via telephone by trained personnel regarding their experiences during their hospital stay. Questions relating to the discharge process were analysed using descriptive statistics to compare patient satisfaction levels against demographic variables. Results: A total of 536 respondents discharged after cardio- or cerebrovascular events were included. The median age was 74 years ± 12.6, 60.6% male, 65.5% Australian born. Dissatisfaction with aspects of the discharge process was markedly higher than dissatisfaction with overall care during the hospital admission (overall care 2.6%, discharge aspects 11.8% - 37.8%). Dissatisfaction rates were highest within the ‘Written information provided’ (37.8%) and ‘Danger signals communicated’ (34.7%) categories. Women and people aged ≥80 were more likely to express dissatisfaction. Conclusion: Although respondents were largely satisfied, there were some important differences in the socio-demographic characteristics of those that were dissatisfied. The communication of important discharge information to older people and women, in particular, was less likely to meet their expectations. More flexible and targeted models of information sharing and discharge planning that cater for individual characteristics may improve outcomes.