There is much evidence in the acute sector about the impact which delayed transfers of care can have on the quality of experience and outcome for patients, as well as the operational and financial implications this creates for providers.  Over four months in 2015, NHS Providers' Right place, right time commission captured evidence and good practice in transfers of care in all settings involving our members – across acute, community, mental health and ambulance services.

This evidence review lay the ground work for the commission's research by analysing the existing evidence on the problem of delayed transfers of care, its causes and impact.  It also brought together an overview of attempts to solve it, drawing on both published literature and information submitted to the commission.

Given that the bulk of existing evidence is drawn from the acute sector, we were particularly keen with this evidence review to capture examples of good practice, supported by evidence, in handling transfers of care within mental health, community and ambulance services.

The evidence review should ideally be read in conjunction of the report of the Right place, right time commission.

Please use the button below to download the evidence review.