Exploring the experiences of patients attending day hospitals in the rural Scotland: capturing the patient's voice

Aims and objectives To understand the meaning of person‐centred compassionate care for people attending day hospitals in rural Scotland. Background Increasing numbers of older people are living with chronic conditions and require support to live at home. Intermediate care services such as day hospitals can enable this. Much previous research about day hospitals focused on organisational aspects of care. This study set out to capture the voice of the patient using this service. Design A descriptive qualitative study. Methods Individual interviews were undertaken in participant's homes using emotional touchpoints as prompts to help patients discuss their experience of care within a day hospital (n = 15). Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results Four main themes were identified from the data: Relationships, Feeling Valued, Expectations and Perceived Benefits. The findings showed that relationships with staff and other patients were important. The patients also wanted to feel valued, and helping others was part of this. The patients had clear expectations of the service but had an acute awareness of the benefits of attending the day hospital such as coordination of their care. Overall, the patients were highly satisfied, felt that care was person‐centred and recognised the advantages of remaining close to home. Conclusions At a time when enabling health and social care integration is a priority, this study provides insight into the patient perspective of intermediate care. The findings reveal what matters to patients cared for in the community and how this service can respond to this. Relevance to clinical practice This study provides insight for healthcare practitioners caring for patients in the community and those responsible for planning and resourcing this service. It should also start a dialogue about how these services could be used more.