Tracking Discharge Delays: Critical First Step Toward Mitigating Process Breakdowns and Inefficiencies

J Nurs Care Qual. 2016 Jan-Mar;31(1):17-23. doi: 10.1097/NCQ.0000000000000141.

Abstract

This article reports on the development and evaluation of a mechanism designed for real-time tracking of discharge delays by bedside clinicians and the reporting of delays in a manner amenable to action. During the implementation phase, delay time totaled 23.6 days for 114 patients affected by a delay. More than one-half of delays (61.4%) occurred for patients whose discharge disposition was home to self-care.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Communication
  • Home Care Services
  • Humans
  • Patient Discharge / standards*
  • Patient Discharge / statistics & numerical data
  • Quality Improvement*
  • Quality of Health Care
  • Time Factors