Abstract
Introduction :
The delayed discharge is defined as patient is deemed medically fit to leave hospital but is unable to do so for non-medical reasons. Delayed discharges are associated with mortality, infection, depression, reduction in patients' mobility and their daily activities.
Aim and Objectives:
1.Recognition of different causes of discharge delays will allow health professionals, hospital administrators to propose potential strategies for minimising delays. 2.To identify causes of prolong delays in discharge among elderly patients.3. To propose strategies for eliminating advisable delays and improving healthcare delivery as well as patient flow process.
Methods:
Total 29 patients' data were collected at the same time. The average length of admission was 32 days. The data were collected to assessed likely presence of delayed discharges and reason for delayed discharges.
Results:
Total 19/29 ( 65% ) were medically fit for discharge (MFFD) and 10/29 ( 35% ) were not MFFD. The average length of time since being declared MFFD was 16days. The reasons for delayed discharges are awaiting POC (32%), awaiting placement (26%), awaiting furniture arrangement at home (10%), awaiting mental capacity assessment from social worker (10%), awaiting equipment delivery (5%), awaiting safeguarding outcomes (5%), awaiting family to find a property to be discharged (5%), family refused equipment (5%).
Recommendations
The recommendations are 1.completing early assessment of onward care needs and recognising the potential needs for either rehabilitation, home assessment for safety and need equipment or residential/nursing home. 2. Early discussion with patients and/or families to reduce the disagreement 3. Early communication with community teams like social worker and CCG by discharge team.
Conclusion
It is important to achieve the correct balance between minimising delays and not discharging patients from hospital before they are clinically ready.