Experience of follow-up care post hospital discharge

In April 2025, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) asked National Voices to explore people’s experiences of care after leaving hospital, with a focus on older people living with frailty and people from groups experiencing health inequalities. Using a mixed‑methods approach, we combined a follow‑up questionnaire with in‑depth interviews to understand what helps or hinders good recovery at home. The research examines four areas: transitions from hospital to community, support to stay well at home, barriers to accessing quality health and social care, and the impacts of unmet needs.

Overall, participants described positive discharge experiences and follow‑up care that supported recovery, independence, and confidence to speak up about concerns. However, delays, poor coordination, and unclear communication during discharge sometimes undermined otherwise good care. People also told us that emotional needs were not always recognised and that conversations did not consistently take a holistic view of medical and non‑medical needs. Where follow‑up care was not provided despite being needed, individuals reported avoidable setbacks, increased unpaid caring responsibilities for family and friends, and a decline in emotional wellbeing.

Findings from this work informed the CQC’s 2024/2025 annual State of Care report which is available here.