Hospital Practices and Research

Abstract Background: The process of discharge is one of the important factors related to patient satisfaction. As the final step in the hospital experience, the discharge process is likely to be well remembered by the patient. Even if everything else goes satisfactorily, a slow, frustrating discharge process can result in low patient satisfaction.
Objectives: The present study was carried out with the aim to reduce the time taken in the discharge process. The objectives were to find the average duration in the process of discharge in major clinical wards and to find key steps affecting the duration of discharge.
Methods: A mixed methodology observational study involving Google forms for recording observations and focus group discussions of key stakeholders were used to carry out this study.
Results: The mean duration of discharge process was 372 minutes with the standard deviation of 68.5. The mean time of 248 minutes with a SD of 43.3 was taken for preparation of discharge summary. The mean time of completing files was 164 minutes with a SD of 37.
Conclusion: The biggest bottleneck in the process of discharge was the preparation of discharge summary, followed by the clearance of files from various departments. The common found reasons were overburdened junior residents, lack of planning of discharge, untrained nursing staff, incomplete documentation, patient counseling, lack of manpower, and lack of coordination among nursing staff and junior residents. It is recommended to plan the discharge better and hold regular workplace meetings of junior residents, nursing staff, billing department, and medical superintendent to manage the communication gaps and better coordination.