Date of Conferral

2020

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

School

Nursing

Advisor

Amelia Nichols

Abstract

One of the most important milestones during a patient’s transition to care is discharge from hospital. Consequently, delays in the discharge process can lead to patient dissatisfaction and affect outcomes in intensive care and emergency rooms. The purpose of the project was to evaluate the tools built into the electronic system to improve communication and reduce the discharge cycle time. The focus of the project is to enter the expected date of discharge (EDD) and identify discharge barriers within 24-48 hours of admission to reduce this time. Evidence was from the project site’s discharge initiative dashboard. Analysis of the problem was structured using a flow chart, SWOT analysis, and fishbone diagram. The evaluation of the project was completed by comparing use rates of the EDD field within 24-48 hours after admission and identifying discharge barriers 24 hours before discharge 6 months before and 6 weeks after reeducation of the members of the healthcare team. Data analysis 6 weeks after reeducation showed a slight increase in EDD field use, but the use of the discharge barrier field and discharge cycle time did not improve. This is an unanticipated outcome that might have been related to the implementation of the project in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. Education interventions should consider stakeholder engagement through virtual learning strategies with mobile and online tools. The results of the project provided an opportunity for the discharge team to collaborate with pharmacy and ancillary services to expedite discharges. A well-coordinated and safe discharge process implies a positive social change that can potentially minimize unnecessary readmissions and leads to cost-effective and satisfactory patient experiences.

Download

Included in

Nursing Commons

Share

 
COinS