Vuodeosastolla työskentelevien hoitajien kokemuksia iäkkään kotiuttamisesta

The purpose of this study was to describe ward nurses’ experiences of discharging older patients from hospital. In this study, the term nurses referred to registered nurses and licensed practical nurses. The data were collected through individual semi structured interviews in spring 2024 from ward nurses who had participated in a discharge development project (n = 7) and analysed using inductive content analysis. According to the nurses’ experiences, three key aspects characterised the discharge of older adults from hospital wards: (1) interprofessional collaboration and knowledge of the care environment, (2) gerontological nursing competence, and (3) challenges related to the discharge process. Interprofessional collaboration and understanding of the care environment were associated with cooperation between different actors, structural challenges within wellbeing services counties, the use of digital client and patient information systems, and the need for consistent procedures and care pathways. Ensuring gerontological nursing competence was linked to education on the care of gerontological patients, as well as to the strengthening of nurses’ experience and professional skills. Challenges in the discharge process were mainly related to insufficient resources and the complexity of discharge situations. This study provides new knowledge on key factors influencing the discharge of older adults in hospital ward settings and offers guidance for the development of social and health care education, discharge practices and leadership.