Iimproving Discharges Within the Monitored Pod Units of a Regional Health Center in Bryan, TX

IMPROVING DISCHARGE RATES WITHIN THE MONITORED POD UNITS OF A REGIONAL HEALTH CENTER IN BRYAN, TX Purpose The purpose of this scholarly project was to improve discharges by 11:00 a.m. within the Monitored Pod Units located in a regional hospital in Bryan, Texas. Background The current discharge rate by 1100 for the monitored pod units at the regional health center was below the health system goal of 50%. The impacts of delayed discharges are broad and can be seen throughout the regional health center. Delayed discharges have a direct effect on staff satisfaction, patient satisfaction, and decreased revenue. Methodology This project utilized a discharge checklist that contained key discharge factors contributing to the 11:00 a.m. target goal for discharge. Team members were educated and trained before implementation. Results Pre- and post-project data were analyzed. The results showed marked improvement in discharge by 0900, 1000, and 1400, but no significant change in the 1100 discharge timing. Implications The overall change reflected in the analyzed data provides evidence to support the continued use of the discharge checklist component, as the increases, although not directly connected to the 1100 discharge goal, contribute to the overarching improvement in the discharge process, which affects the overall system goal.