Strengthening care transitions: Insights from Denmark’s extended post-discharge responsibility policy

Abstract Background Care transitions, especially after hospital discharge to community care, pose a significant challenge to patient safety and continuity of care. In Denmark, a recent policy initiative-the extended post-discharge responsibility-aims to improve the quality and safety of patient transitions and promote more coherent care pathways. Methods A review of academic and grey literature, media reports and relevant organisational websites. Results In February 2022, the Capital Region in Denmark implemented a scheme extending hospitals’ treatment responsibility to 72 hours after discharge for patients hospitalised for at least 24 hours and discharged to municipal nursing care. The scheme entails that municipal home nursing and the general practitioner (GP) can receive advice and guidance from the hospitals during this period. The treating hospital doctor remains responsible for treatment for 72 hours, after which responsibility shifts to the GP. One year after the initial implementation, the Danish government, Danish Regions, and Local Government Denmark agreed to roll out the scheme nationwide. An evaluation in 2023 from the Capital Region showed satisfaction with the initiative among health professionals across hospitals, municipalities and GP. The results indicated increased accessibility and quicker support, with municipal health professionals reporting feeling more secure with a direct phone number for hospital staff, freeing up time for treatment and care. The results showed that municipal nursing services most frequently called for inquiries about medication and clarification of treatment plans or when a citizen's condition has changed. Furthermore, the scheme contributed to improved collaboration. From 15 January 2025, the scheme has been extended from 72 to 96 hours. Conclusions Denmark's 72-hour post-hospital treatment responsibility has been welcomed by health professionals and seems to have improved the transition of patients out of hospitals.