Delays in the discharge process can impact patients’ perceptions of their overall hospital experience. Whether the delays are attributed to hospital processes or patient preparedness, over time, they add up – impacting patient satisfaction and hospital finances.

The GetWellNetwork Discharge Planning Solution consists of two components designed to better prepare patients for discharge and as a result reduce the average length of stay: The Countdown to Discharge Pathway and The Discharge Readiness Dashboard. The Countdown to Discharge Pathway first sets patient and family expectations and then prompts them to prepare for discharge. The Discharge Readiness Dashboard makes it easy for case managers and clinicians to monitor patient progress and track discharge readiness in real time. The result is increased knowledge and enhanced communication around patient discharge, leading to a timely discharge and reduced average length of stay.

Countdown to Discharge Pathway: Set Expectations and Promote Patient Readiness

To set expectations early on, The Countdown to Discharge Pathway automatically prompts patients to read the discharge checklist shortly after admission. With clear expectations in-mind, patients can do their part in preparing for discharge. The Pathway prompts patients to assess their discharge readiness mid-stay by completing a discharge survey. The Survey serves as a reminder to patients of the outstanding tasks that need to take place prior to discharge. The Pathway will again prompt patients on the morning of discharge to complete the discharge survey a final time. This final discharge survey serves as a closing reminder of the discharge requirements and the expected discharge time – by setting accurate patient expectations – satisfaction with the discharge process improves.

Discharge Readiness Dashboard: Track Patient Discharge Readiness In Real-Time

The results of the discharge surveys can be monitored by staff through the Discharge Readiness Dashboard. This web-based Dashboard is accessed from the nurse station using the Management Console. The Dashboard allows staff to easily monitor multiple patients and/or units simultaneously, identify next steps, and track patient readiness to leave the hospital.

Using the Discharge Readiness Dashboard, staff has the opportunity to proactively address potential discharge obstacles. The mid-stay survey provides a first glance into the patient’s readiness and enables staff to begin working with patients to overcome obstacles. The final survey on the day of discharge creates another opportunity to address potential barriers to discharge. If patient readiness has changed from the previous checklist, clinicians have an opportunity to intervene. For example, if a patient previously arranged a ride home but now doesn’t – clinicians can work to resolve the issue to avoid delays.