Many people in rural towns live far from medical services. So, before they leave the hospital, they need to know the signs of worsening health to watch out for. In our previous research, patients and their families told us that:
- They do not know how to recognize the signs that their or their loved one’s health is worsening.
- A warning signs health service would help them learn how to recognize these signs and know what to do about them.
But, we do not know what would help healthcare providers give this service. In this study, we invited healthcare providers to tell us what would help them give this service. For example, do they need education pamphlets to teach patients about the signs of worsening health? The findings, which are still to come, will help us recommend strategies to help healthcare providers give the service. The service can help people better manage their health, and reduce hospital readmissions, and care costs.
This study is funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
