Person-centred care zone

Effective hospital discharge relies on recognising unpaid carers as partners in care. This animation, Involving Unpaid Carers in Hospital Discharge, was co-developed with stakeholders and unpaid carers and reflects real experiences and priorities.

Legal context
Under Section 28 of the Carers (Scotland) Act 2016, there is a statutory duty to involve unpaid carers in hospital discharge. This includes:

• early identification of unpaid carers
• involving carers in discharge planning
• considering the carer’s willingness and ability to provide care
• providing appropriate information, support, and preparation

Using this resource

• presented in short chapters to support reflection and team discussion
• can be used flexibly in individual or group learning
• a facilitator’s guide is in development to extend learning

Key learning
The animation highlights the ‘backpack’ carers carry, including responsibility, uncertainty, and unmet needs. Discharge is a critical transition point that can either support or overwhelm carers.

Practice impact
A carer aware approach:

• supports carers’ wellbeing
• improves outcomes for everyone
• helps reduce risk of readmission

Small, consistent actions, such as asking who is supporting someone at home and actively listening to carers, make a meaningful difference.

Healthcare Improvement Scotland 

• Involving carers in hospital discharge: an evidence summary
• Impact Stories - Unpaid Carers
• Role of the Hospital Carer Support Worker
• Involving Carers in Hospital Discharge change package

These resource's are for teams working to improve carer experience and discharge processes across a wide range of hospital settings. The package will support teams to identify opportunities for improvement and includes a range of tools to support planning and evaluation of the impact of change on carers, staff, and the hospital system.