A cross-sectional study on delay in discharge in a tertiary care hospital in the Malwa Region of Punjab

Abstract Background: Delay in discharge from hospital can lead to many problems including increased cost, depression, various hospital acquired infections and many administrative, financial and other health issues. In general, delay in discharge might be either due to hospital side or due to patient side. Objective: The objective is to study the delay in discharge in a tertiary care hospital in the Malwa region of Punjab and to identify the possible associated factors. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital located in Bathinda, Punjab, among 250 patients. A questionnaire was developed and pilot tested based on objectives of the study. Pareto analysis was carried out to assess the main reasons for delay in discharge from hospital. Results: About 80% of the participants faced the delay in the discharge procedure. Around 40% of the participants had spent more than 5 h to complete the discharge procedure. Delay in discharge occurred at all steps except “Return of Medicines.” The average time taken by the patients was nearly double the time set by NABH standards. The study found that 80% delay in discharge were due to only 20% main reasons. Only 20% of the participants were fully satisfied with the total time taken to complete the discharge, whereas 59% were not satisfied. Conclusion: A large proportion of the patients were facing the problem of delay in discharge in the tertiary care hospital. Nearly 2/3 rd of the patients and/or relatives were not satisfied with the time taken for discharge.