About the project

The coordination reform of Norwegian health care and the development in the health care system have led to patients being discharged earlier. Research indicates that patient safety is not well cared for in the transition between different levels of health care services. Vulnerable patients are exposed, among them patients with lung cancer. Lung cancer has the highest mortality rate among cancer patients in Norway. Patients often experience few symptoms and are therefore diagnosed too late for curative treatment. Patients need care from both specialized care and the municipal health services. Studies indicate that these patients find it challenging to be discharged from the hospital, but few studies have systematically explored this. After discharge, patients often have continuum need for care and follow-up from the municipal health service. This requires more efforts from the municipal health service making patients with low health literacy more vulnerable. OECD defines health literacy as “an individual´s knowledge, motivation and skills to access, understand, evaluate and apply health information.

The focus of this project is on patients with lung cancer, who after being discharged from the hospital to their homes, receive follow-up by the municipal health service. The study explores patients and health personnel experiences through qualitative interviews. In addition, it explores what inhibits and promotes the capability, motivation and opportunity for a good and safe transitions of patients between different levels in the health care system. In addition to, what the patients need and how the patient’s health literacy impacts the transition process.

Background

Master’s degree in nursing science

Research group

PIFO