"Elderly & CALD outpatient discharge"

They discharged a regional patient, without temporary home care in place. Like TCP or CHSP, a visiting service like Silverchain.

This would of coordinated GP medications wound care ot physio cleaning transport help etc.

Family requested the service. However I believe Help wasnt cohesively explained or what it looks like on the ground to my family member or at all.

Culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) patients face higher risks of outpatient non-attendance or discharge complications due to communication barriers and a lack of culturally tailored care.

An Elderly CALD regional patient discharged from Osborne Park Hospital Geriatric Rehab without the following considerations below, compromising their care and safety. It is also an expectation, a person who wishes to Age In Place and maintain their autonomy and independence, be supported comprehensively, correctly as per the following;

Key Challenges in CALD Outpatient Discharge 

• Communication Barriers: Patients with limited English proficiency often misunderstand discharge instructions, medication changes, or follow-up requirements.

• Higher Non-Attendance: Research shows that CALD patients experience significantly higher rates of outpatient "no-shows" or missed transitions compared to non-CALD populations.

• Systemic Gaps: Outpatient departments often lack standardized, culturally competent discharge pathways that ensure smooth handovers back to general practitioners (GPs).

Best Practices for Safe Discharge

• Professional Interpreters: Use accredited interpreters during the final outpatient consultation rather than relying on family members.

• Translated Materials: Provide appropriate, large format, written or visual discharge summaries tailored to the patient's language and health literacy level.

• GP Handover: Send a clear, prompt clinical handover to the patient’s local general practitioner to maintain continuity of care in the community.

* Organising home-based interventions, such as home nursing, Hospital in the Home or Meals on Wheels,to commence without delay.

safetyandquality.gov.au/our-work/comprehensive-care

It is requested a deep audit on the above across all disciplines, medical and communication systems, be actioned and rectified for this vulnerable community.