THE ROLE OF THE HOSPITAL NURSING STAFF IN-HOME HEALTH-CARE SERVICES

Hospital nurses have an important role to play in coordinating the hos pital and home-care management of patients discharged from hospital. T his role becomes even more vital with the growing emphasis on transfer ring part or all of the traditional hospital care of some patients to primary carers in the community. This policy enables patients to recei ve treatment as close to their home as possible, as well as shortening the number of inpatient days. The aim for primary-care workers is to take over everyday responsibility for patients receiving outpatient an timicrobial treatment, while providing all necessary support from a ho spital base. For the successful transfer from hospital care to home ca re, both patient and family must be confident in performing the techni cal medical actions required. It is the main responsibility of the nur se to allay any patient fears of unforeseen difficulties or problems.