The role of discharge co-ordinator in oncology
Jennifer Spears Senior clinical practice facilitator oncology, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London
Carmel Fitzsimons Senior clinical practice facilitator oncology, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London
Richard Doran Discharge co-ordinator, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London
Janet Saunders Matron oncology, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London
Lina Faria Ward sister oncology inpatients, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London
Kay Eaton Consultant nurse cancer and supportive care, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London
Jennifer Spears and colleagues explain how a new role has improved patients’ experience on the cancer wards with a clearer approach to planning
Aim To explore, develop and support the role of discharge co-ordinator.
Method Data were collected from multiple sources in the framework of an action research study over two years from 2011/13.
Findings Five broad themes emerged: beneficial impact of the introduction of discharge co-ordinator for patients and all those involved in their care; demanding role and complexity of patients’ needs; improved knowledge of the discharge process; communication skills, a personal approach; and the research process.
Conclusion Action research provided a clear framework to evaluate, develop and support a new role in clinical practice. It also provided evidence of the success and benefits of the role for patients and those involved in their care. The findings and approach used would be applicable to other healthcare settings seeking to improve their discharge services for patients or as a means to support the introduction of a new role.
Cancer Nursing Practice.
13, 3, 21-26.
doi: 10.7748/cnp2014.04.13.3.21.e1040
Correspondence
jennifer.spears@uclh.nhs.uk
Peer review
This article has been subject to double blind peer review
Conflict of interest
None declared
Received: 14 October 2013
Accepted: 05 March 2014
Want to read more?
Already have access? Log in
or
3-month trial offer for £5.25/month
Subscribe today and save 50% on your first three months
RCNi Plus users have full access to the following benefits:
- Unlimited access to all 10 RCNi Journals
- RCNi Learning featuring over 175 modules to easily earn CPD time
- NMC-compliant RCNi Revalidation Portfolio to stay on track with your progress
- Personalised newsletters tailored to your interests
- A customisable dashboard with over 200 topics
Subscribe
Alternatively, you can purchase access to this article for the next seven days.
Buy now
Are you a student? Our student subscription has content especially for you.
Find out more
