Publication Date

Spring 2023

Degree Type

Master's Project

Degree Name

Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN)

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

Dorothy Moore

Keywords

Discharge Checklist, registered nurse, nurse, discharge times, physician, multidisciplinary team, quality improvement, communication, patient, efficiency of care, enhanced communication, discharge process, medical-surgical, hospital, Northern California, standardization, Plan-Do-Check-Act

Abstract

Standardization of patient discharges by utilizing a discharge checklist would address discharge barriers, improve discharge times, enhance communication among the multidisciplinary team, and improve efficiency of care. A 5-week pilot, which was a quality improvement study, explored whether the utilization of a discharge checklist would improve discharge times and communication among the multidisciplinary team. This study was conducted in a northern California county hospital, on 2 medical- surgical units, with a participating physician team, case managers, and approximately 150 medical- surgical registered nurses. The study yielded results of improved discharge times by 1 hour, and improved efficiency of care by discharging an additional 100 patients. The limitations and feasibility concerns include the short time frame of the study, staff compliance, staff buy-in, staffing shortages, and staff burn out. Further studies would benefit from prioritizing an extended duration for the study to allow opportunities for improved adherence and observe more improved outcomes. Standardizing a discharge checklist would yield improved outcomes to patients and healthcare professionals.

Download

Share

COinS