Managing the incongruities: the hospital discharge experience for elderly patients, their families, and nurses.

The purpose of this study was to describe the elderly person's hospital discharge experience. Using a grounded theory design, data were generated from patients, families, and nurses. Four major categories emerged: (a) diversity of discharge readiness--patients were ready for discharge, families were not, and nurses were uncertain; (b) family support for patients--families supported the patients, but no support was offered to families; (c) decision making--patients and families were not involved; and (d) multidisciplinary approach--patients and families experienced confusion and distress with lack of team coordination. Managing the incongruities of the discharge process was a struggle for patients and families.