Advocating for better hospital discharge planning By Clive Kempson

I recently attended the Allied Health interactive monthly meeting at Casey Hospital. I was there to share my experience of a lack of discharge planning and the impact that had on my life after returning home

My feedback was honest. I felt that the discharge planning I received was less than ideal and was much less than I needed or expected. At the time going home was my focus but looking back, I can now see that the plan could have been a lot more proactive in helping me to understand what might lay ahead.

Interestingly, I know I am not alone in this, according to the Stroke Foundation 2017 Acute Audit, 35 per cent of patients do not receive a discharge plan and 41 per cent of patients do not receive a rehabilitation assessment. At least there was some discharge planning offered to me - I don’t know how people that receive nothing cope. 

During my discharge process I met with a lady from the Rehab in the Home team and we organised a Physiotherapist and Occupational Therapist to come to me at my home. This was because Cranbourne CRC would be closed for the Christmas period. But there was no discussion about rehabilitation ongoing, doctor’s appointments, information about further stroke prevention, lifestyle, mental health, getting back to work or goal setting etc. - it was disappointing.

I appreciate that there are time pressures, staffing levels and families that may be able to help, however I believe ongoing patient care and mental health should be a higher priority.

Now, nearly 4 years after my stroke, I volunteer at Monash Health helping people find where they need to be at the Cranbourne Centre. I am a consumer advisor with Monash Health for several committees and working groups, and I hope to have input into improvements for future patients.

Participating in research has also been a focus for me and I have been involved in research around upper limb, telehealth and using virtual reality in future stroke ward design. 

I also advocate for systemic change in stroke treatment and care. I have met with my state and federal MPs to share my experience to highlight the need for funding into stroke support services – especially for the younger stroke community. 

Being involved in creating change gives more meaning to my life, I want future stroke patients to not go through what I have. 

Thank you to Lauren for the invite asking me to share some of my journey with the staff.