Understanding the challenges during transitions of care for children with critical airway conditions.

Purpose: The specific aim of this qualitative descriptive study was to gain an understanding of the challenges occurring during transitions of care between two institutions for children with critical airway conditions.

Methods: Qualitative descriptive methodology was utilized to analyze data from two focus groups conducted with nurses from two adjacent institutions.

Results: The focus groups were composed of 19 staff nurses, three case managers, one clinical nurse specialist and two nurse directors. Three themes emerged from the nurses' focus groups: Uncertainty with Diagnosis, Communication Between Healthcare Facilities and Family Members, and Parental Acceptance/Readiness to Learn.

Conclusion: Nurses are in a unique position to improve both the quality and coordination of care to these children and their family members. An effort to improve transfer of care between institutions and nurses could reduce the combined length of stay for patients and reduce avoidable readmissions. Nurses are in a key position to enhance the competence, confidence, and comfort for family members and caretakers to exercise their post-discharge responsibilities.

Implications for practice: Consistent, clear communication among health care providers and family members can improve care in this vulnerable population. These data identified need for further education of nurses.