In-depth analysis of delays to patient discharge: a metropolitan teaching hospital experience

Delayed patient discharge will likely exacerbate bed shortages. This study prospectively determined the frequency, causes and potential cost implications of delays for 83 consecutive patients, who were inpatients for a total of 888 days. 65% of patients experienced delay whilst awaiting a service. 4...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Clinical medicine (London, England) England), 2012-08, Vol.12 (4), p.320-323
Main Authors: Hendy, P, Patel, JH, Kordbacheh, T, Laskar, N, Harbord, M
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Biological and medical sciences
Clinical Practice
delayed discharge
Female
General aspects
Hospitals, Teaching
Hospitals, Urban
Humans
Innovation
Length of Stay - economics
Length of Stay - statistics & numerical data
Male
Medical sciences
Middle Aged
Patient Discharge
patient experience
patient journey
Prevention and actions
Productivity and Prevention (QIPP) agenda
Public health. Hygiene
Public health. Hygiene-occupational medicine
Quality
State Medicine - organization & administration
United Kingdom
Young Adult
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Summary:Delayed patient discharge will likely exacerbate bed shortages. This study prospectively determined the frequency, causes and potential cost implications of delays for 83 consecutive patients, who were inpatients for a total of 888 days. 65% of patients experienced delay whilst awaiting a service. 48% of patients experienced delays that extended their discharge date. Discharge delays accounted for 21% of the cohort’s inpatient stay, at an estimated cost of £565 per patient; 77% of these hold-ups resulted from delays in the provision of social and therapy requirements. Discharge delays are costly for hospitals and depressing for patients. Investment is required to enable health and social-care professionals to work more closely to improve the patient journey.
ISSN:1470-2118
1473-4893
DOI:10.7861/clinmedicine.12-4-320