Hospital – primary care articulation in care transition: both sides of the process*

Abstract

Objective: To analyze how the articulation between hospital and primary health care related to patient discharge and continuity of care after hospitalization takes place. Method: Qualitative study, using the focus group technique to explore the experience of 21 nurses in hospitals (n = 10) and at primary care (n = 11) in a municipality in the northwest area of the State of São Paulo. Data collection took place between December 2019 and April 2020. Four focus groups were carried out (two in the hospital and two in the health units) and the findings underwent thematic analysis. Results: The categories identified were: Patient inclusion flow in the responsible discharge planning, Patient/family member/caregiver participation, Care planning, Communication between services, and Challenges in the discharge process. According to reports, the discharge process is centered on bureaucratic aspects with gaps in communication and coordination of care. Conclusion: This research allowed understanding how nurses from different points of health care experience the discharge and (dis)articulation of the team work. The findings can equip managers in the (re)agreement of practices and integration of services to promote continuity of care.