Journal of Korean Gerontological Nursing 2013;15(3):227-235.
요양시설거주 노인의 병원응급실 이용에 관련된 요양시설 종사자와 응급실 간호사의 대처 및 지각된 어려움
고인순·강희선·김경희·박경숙
Management and Perceived Difficulties of Caregivers in Long-term Care Facilities and Nurses in the Emergency Room Regarding Transition of Care for Elderly Residents
Ko, In-Soon · Kang, Hee Sun · Kim, Kyung Hee · Park, Kyung Sook
Abstract
Purpose In this study an exploration was done of the management and perceived difficulties of emergency room
nurses and caregivers in long-term care facilities, as they relate to the transition of care of elderly residents from
the facilities to the emergency room. Methods A qualitative descriptive study using focus groups was conducted
with 20 caregivers from emergency rooms and long-term care facilities. Data were collected between April 1 and
April 29, 2013, and were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results Four themes emerged: (1) emergency
situations and their management in long-term care facilities, (2) rapid reporting and transferring system, (3)
lack of patient information during emergency room admission and readmission to the long-term care facility, and
(4) burden of caregivers working in the emergency rooms and long-term care facilities. The caregivers emphasized
the importance of sharing essential patient information when transferring patients to the emergency room or returning
them to the long-term care facility. Conclusion The results indicate a need for education for caregivers of elderly
residents regarding potential emergencies and their management, as well as the importance of sharing essential
patient information when transferring a patient to the emergency room or back to the long-term care facility.