The Design, implementation and Evaluation of a Technology Solution to Improve Discharge Planning Communication in a Complex Patient Population

<p>Unnecessary delays in discharge planning can extend the length of stay (LOS) and add non-reimbursable days for socially and medically complex patients thereby increasing the financial burden to healthcare organizations. The literature supports enhanced discharge communication strategies and the use of checklists to facilitate safe and timely discharges. Following root cause analyses of significant discharge delays, one hospital identified gaps in communication as key precursors associated with discharge planning breakdown when discharging patients to skilled nursing facilities. Review of these events demonstrated the need for concurrent communication strategies between multidisciplinary care team members in planning for complex discharges.</p> <p>Following a complete assessment of the current discharge planning process, a web-based interactive discharge checklist was designed, implemented and evaluated in the attempt to provide guided communications to the essential partners of the patient’s team in an effort to reduce LOS and readmissions. After a six-month rollout of the new technology and concomitant procedures, the analyses revealed improvement in both the patient’s perception of discharge planning and the ability to discharge patients by noon. Results for LOS and readmission demonstrated inconsistent improvement. The use of an electronic checklist as a communication tool did reduce variability in discharge procedures and provided for continuity in handoff communication between team members. Staff agreed it promoted continuity and improved efficiency.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Level thesis:degree_level

Project

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Nursing

Year dc:date.available

2013

Author dc:creator

• Manfredi, Susan M

Contributors dc:contributor

• Dr. KT Waxman
• Dr. Marjorie Barter

• Discharge Planning
• Care Coordination
• Handoffs
• Length of Stay
• and Technology
• Health Information Technology
• Nursing
• Translational Medical Research

Repository record dc:identifier

https://repository.usfca.edu/dnp/29

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.usfca.edu:dnp-1038