Recuperative Care: an example of partnership care which works for patients

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate the role of Recuperative Care after hospital discharge.Design/methodology/approachA combined qualitative and quantitative study. The quantitative study was a concurrent, parallel, geographically controlled trial of Recuperative Care versus standard NHS hospital rehabilitation. Recuperative Care is rehabilitation in a residential care home with no on‐site medical or nursing staff. A daily programme of exercises and activities to improve independence is provided by two in‐house occupational therapists. The primary outcome measures were discharge destination, domicile 3 and 12 months post‐discharge and mortality. A purposefully selected sample of 20 recuperative care patients was interviewed after discharge.FindingsThere was a small difference of borderline significance in initial discharge destination (slightly more patients were discharged home from recuperative care than from Hospital). However, at 3 months and 12 months there was no significant difference between the groups. A logistic regression analysis suggested the main determinant of outcome was cognitive function. There was no significant difference in mortality between the groups. The qualitative data demonstrated Recuperative Care to be a highly‐rated, positive and sometimes life‐changing experience for patients. The interview data illustrate the aspects of care and characteristics which were beneficial.Practical implicationsRecuperative care is a model of partnership working which has potential to free‐up hospital beds while benefitting patients.Originality/valueThe presentation of the qualitative data aims to highlight those aspects of Recuperative Care which seemed beneficial from a clinical perspective.