Patient experience in hospital care transition: analysis in light of clinical management

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the patient experience during the transition of care, at hospital discharge, in light of clinical management. METHOD: This is a qualitative study conducted with 31 patients at a public university hospital in the Central-West region of Brazil. Data were collected through interviews, mediated by the critical incident technique. The information was processed using IRaMuTeQ® software and subjected to content analysis. RESULTS: The main categories were: challenges in transition and in the logistics of care within the Health Care Network; interpersonal relationships and clinical follow-up in care; and perception of care and satisfaction in the recovery process. Experiences related to the presence of consistent therapeutic bonds, clear communication, a welcoming environment, and coordinated action by multidisciplinary teams were associated with greater satisfaction and trust in care, while communication failures and lack of follow-up were frustrating. CONCLUSION: The findings highlight the need to improve coordination between healthcare services, especially in logistical and communication aspects. In this context, clinic management emerges as an opportune strategy to promote the integration of care practices, contributing to more effective, continuous, and patient-centered care throughout their journey at different levels of care.