The Experience of Transition from Hospital to Community Care of Patients with Advanced Cancer: A Qualitative Narrative Review of Patients’, Families’ and Healthcare Professionals’ Perspectives

Objective: This narrative review aims to synthesize qualitative research on the experiences of patients, families, and healthcare professionals during the transition of advanced cancer patients from hospital to community care. Methods: A systematic search of qualitative studies published between 201...

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Main Authors: Flavia Hurducas, Codrina Csesznek, Daniela Mosoiu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-05-01
Series:Social Sciences
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0760/14/5/287
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author Flavia Hurducas
Codrina Csesznek
Daniela Mosoiu
author_facet Flavia Hurducas
Codrina Csesznek
Daniela Mosoiu
author_sort Flavia Hurducas
collection DOAJ
description Objective: This narrative review aims to synthesize qualitative research on the experiences of patients, families, and healthcare professionals during the transition of advanced cancer patients from hospital to community care. Methods: A systematic search of qualitative studies published between 2010 and 2023 was conducted. Thirteen studies were selected for their relevance to the transition from hospital to community care. The studies were thematically analysed to identify recurring patterns and significant findings. Results: The analysis revealed six key themes: (1) planning and managing transitions, (2) communication between actors involved in the process of transition, (3) constraints on health systems, (4) family, as a unit of care, (5) needs of patients and families in the process of transition to community care, and (6) emotions and feelings of actors involved in the transition. This review highlighted that transitions are often poorly managed, with inadequate communication, which contributes to anxiety, a sense of loss, and disruption in care continuity. Conclusions: This review emphasizes the importance of better planning, communication, and support during transitions from hospital to community care. A coordinated approach addressing the holistic needs of patients and families, including emotional support and clear communication, is essential for smoother, more effective transitions.
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spelling doaj-art-63bb6dad134349cc9e25d8f020f2f4a42025-08-20T02:34:02ZengMDPI AGSocial Sciences2076-07602025-05-0114528710.3390/socsci14050287The Experience of Transition from Hospital to Community Care of Patients with Advanced Cancer: A Qualitative Narrative Review of Patients’, Families’ and Healthcare Professionals’ PerspectivesFlavia Hurducas0Codrina Csesznek1Daniela Mosoiu2Faculty of Sociology and Communication, Transilvania University, 500036 Brasov, RomaniaFaculty of Sociology and Communication, Transilvania University, 500036 Brasov, RomaniaHOSPICE Casa Sperantei, 500074 Brasov, RomaniaObjective: This narrative review aims to synthesize qualitative research on the experiences of patients, families, and healthcare professionals during the transition of advanced cancer patients from hospital to community care. Methods: A systematic search of qualitative studies published between 2010 and 2023 was conducted. Thirteen studies were selected for their relevance to the transition from hospital to community care. The studies were thematically analysed to identify recurring patterns and significant findings. Results: The analysis revealed six key themes: (1) planning and managing transitions, (2) communication between actors involved in the process of transition, (3) constraints on health systems, (4) family, as a unit of care, (5) needs of patients and families in the process of transition to community care, and (6) emotions and feelings of actors involved in the transition. This review highlighted that transitions are often poorly managed, with inadequate communication, which contributes to anxiety, a sense of loss, and disruption in care continuity. Conclusions: This review emphasizes the importance of better planning, communication, and support during transitions from hospital to community care. A coordinated approach addressing the holistic needs of patients and families, including emotional support and clear communication, is essential for smoother, more effective transitions.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0760/14/5/287hospital-to-home transitioncontinuity of carepalliative carepatient dischargeadvanced cancer patient
spellingShingle Flavia Hurducas
Codrina Csesznek
Daniela Mosoiu
The Experience of Transition from Hospital to Community Care of Patients with Advanced Cancer: A Qualitative Narrative Review of Patients’, Families’ and Healthcare Professionals’ Perspectives
Social Sciences
hospital-to-home transition
continuity of care
palliative care
patient discharge
advanced cancer patient
title The Experience of Transition from Hospital to Community Care of Patients with Advanced Cancer: A Qualitative Narrative Review of Patients’, Families’ and Healthcare Professionals’ Perspectives
title_full The Experience of Transition from Hospital to Community Care of Patients with Advanced Cancer: A Qualitative Narrative Review of Patients’, Families’ and Healthcare Professionals’ Perspectives
title_fullStr The Experience of Transition from Hospital to Community Care of Patients with Advanced Cancer: A Qualitative Narrative Review of Patients’, Families’ and Healthcare Professionals’ Perspectives
title_full_unstemmed The Experience of Transition from Hospital to Community Care of Patients with Advanced Cancer: A Qualitative Narrative Review of Patients’, Families’ and Healthcare Professionals’ Perspectives
title_short The Experience of Transition from Hospital to Community Care of Patients with Advanced Cancer: A Qualitative Narrative Review of Patients’, Families’ and Healthcare Professionals’ Perspectives
title_sort experience of transition from hospital to community care of patients with advanced cancer a qualitative narrative review of patients families and healthcare professionals perspectives
topic hospital-to-home transition
continuity of care
palliative care
patient discharge
advanced cancer patient
url https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0760/14/5/287
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