Hospital Discharge Decision-Making and Women
Research type
Research Study
Full title
How Does Frailty Impact Hospital Discharge Decision-Making for “Frail Women”? A Critical Ethnographic Study in North-East England
IRAS ID
357997
Contact name
Elaine Francis
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
This PhD seeks to provide new understanding into decisions around discharge from hospital for older women who live with moderate frailty.
The UK population is ageing, and the North East has some of the poorest health outcomes in England, with women facing particular challenges. Older people are the main users of health and care services, and often have multiple health issues. Up to half of them live with frailty - a condition linked to age-related decline that makes their health vulnerable to sudden changes, such as new medications or moving to a new environment.
Addressing the challenge of providing healthcare for an ageing population is a national priority, yet we need more understanding about how decisions are made around discharge from hospital to promote patient safety and experience.
To gain this understanding, this research will take a critical ethnographic approach. Over the course of a year, the researcher will observe a small number of women (approximately 6) who are over the age of 50 and live with moderate frailty, their caregivers and multi-disciplinary staff involved in discharge decision making throughout their re-admission to, journey within, and discharge from hospital.
This fieldwork will take place in the NHS Trust in the North East of England where the researcher is employed. The research methods include observing key medical and social moments of decision-making, being present on the ward for changes of shift, consultations, and conversations. The 'decision-makers' are seen as the patient, informal carers and paid professionals. Alongside observation, there will be in depth interviews during admission and after discharge, and the review of documentation and electronic patient records.
The research will provide an in-depth exploration of participants' lived experiences and guide new theoretical insights into how frailty influences discharge decisions for older women. This will help improve patient outcomes and guide better healthcare system design.
REC name
Wales REC 7
REC reference
26/WA/0022
Date of REC Opinion
2 Mar 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion