Aim:

to know the variables related to the internal care coordination in the Health Area of Ferrol (HAF), according to the perspective of patients and relatives.

Methods:

an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study in the HAF, with hospitalized patients and a direct relative. An ad hoc notebook was designed with 20 variables, grouped in three blocks: socio-demographic variables, information on previous hospital admissions and coordination between care levels. Permission was obtained from the Autonomous Ethics Committee and the management of the HAF, informed consent was signed, information sheets were prepared and data confidentiality and anonymity was guaranteed. A descriptive study of variables and multivariate analysis of the associated variables were performed (accepting a significance level p< 0.05).

Results:

187 patients (60%) and 120 family members (38%) participated, equal in gender (49%), with a mean admission of 11.85 days. Fifty-nine percent were prepared for discharge from hospital during their last admission and 8% did not receive a Continuity of Care Report (CCR) on the previous admission. Sixtytwo percent received adequate information from the nurses and 39% were "fairly well" coordinated in internal communication. 70% felt that they should receive a CCR. The average level of satisfaction with nursing care was 8.76 points.

Discussion:

continuity of care is essential for meeting the needs of patients and families, strengthening their autonomy and independence and for coordinating the healthcare team. We should encourage recording the CCR in the clinical history as a measure of professional development.

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