A STUDY ON PATIENT PERCEPTION TOWARDS INPATIENTS DISCHARGE PROCEDURES IN MULTI-SPECIALTY HOSPITAL AT SALEM

The major area that needs to be streamlined in hospital is discharge process of patients which is directly related to patients’ satisfaction. The aim of the study is to find out the root cause for delay, highlight the areas that needs improvement and provide suggestions. The study was done in one of the prominent hospitals in Tamil Nadu for a period of 3 months. A checklist was framed and time taken for each process was recorded and analyzed both for self-payment and insurance patients using simple percentage analysis, simple average and quality tools. From this study, it is evident that high percentage of delay is due to vacating the room which consequently increases the waiting time of inpatients for bed allotment. Based on the findings proper training in communication skills for staff, adequate staffing and framing of policy for patient’s discharge are some of the recommendations given. The study concludes that delayed discharges is one of the prime factors and have an impact on ability to cut the waiting lists and deliver healthcare effectively and efficiently. Keywords: Patient Satisfaction, Bed Allotment, Delayed Discharge