| Difficulties and representative quotations (overarching themes in parentheses) |
| 1. Difficulty following diet (self-management)
It was difficult for me to eat right. I ate what I had. I didn’t feel like going shopping…I’m on disability, and I needed to wait for my check to get food.
| 235 (22%) |
| 2. Difficulty with transportation to follow-up care (discharge planning)
I couldn’t get to my doctor appointments. I have to wait 3 days for Mass health transportation, and my appointments were scheduled too soon after discharge to get an appointment with my ride.
| 209 (20%) |
| 3. Difficulty taking medications correctly each day (medication safety)
I don’t sleep in the hospital, so when I get home, I sleep more…and I end up sleeping through times I'm supposed to take my meds…They give you a lot to do when you leave the hospital. Sometimes it’s difficult to follow the discharge instructions they give you.
| 192 (18%) |
| 4. Difficulty with inadequate social support (social support)
I didn’t have a support system when I went home…a nurse came twice a week, but only took my vitals. I wasn’t able to cook because I was still weak…I just needed more help…My discharge was excellent. I understood everything, they explained it well too. I just wasn’t able to care for myself when I got home.
| 160 (15%) |
| 5. Difficulty contacting doctor if needed (Self-management)
When I left, they said I needed tests by my doctor. But I didn’t know which doctor…so they didn't get done and I wound up in the hospital a few days later.
| 149 (14%) |
| 6. Difficulty with basic needs such as food, shelter, utilities and the like (other issues)
I have a hard time staying warm at home…and air/climate (temperature) is a trigger for my pain.
| 117 (11%) |
| 7. Difficulty with alcohol or drugs (other issues)
I have sobriety problems. I’m enrolled in an alcohol recovery program…but it hasn't started yet and I have conflicts with their timeframe.
| 73 (7%) |