Relieving the strain on hospital resources by implementing an Admission Discharge Unit (ADU) at ESHC

Background: The Admission Discharge Unit (ADU) project, designed to significantly relieve the strain on hospital resources, effectively addressing the demands of the emergency department was introduced in January 2024. Objectives: 1) To learn how we can reduce emergency congestion through faster patient transfers and discharges, enabling us to offer more essential services, 2) to demonstrate how the ADU is a vital transition point for focused patient care, improving overall access relevant to the hospital leadership. Method: A specialized team managing admissions and discharges, dedicated family spaces, and clear discharge instructions were established. Staffing needs have been addressed also since nurses can focus more on direct patient care, improving discharge education, medication reviews, and reducing readmission risks. Furthermore, adding a Patient and Family Liaison role with the dedicated spaces ensures that patients and visitors receive vital support, enriching their overall experience and embodying Patient Voice. Result: The ADU led to enhanced patient outcomes and increased operational efficiency resulting in a 32% increase in patient discharge satisfaction (from 59% to 91%) between January and December 2024. The staff retention was good, with no staff leaving the unit since January 2024. Financially, the ADU represents a significant cost-saving opportunity for the hospital, potentially saving $2.1 million annually while efficiently managing nine patient beds without compromising care quality. Since the ADU's launch, the average bed idle time has been reduced by 7.4 hours per patient, allowing quicker admissions and enhanced bed utilization.