SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Differences in Perceived Barriers to Hospital Discharge Within and Outside the Control of the Hospitalist

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This study examined perceived barriers to timely hospital discharge and how those barriers differ between issues that hospitalists can control versus those they cannot. Delayed discharge increases costs and can worsen patient outcomes, so the authors surveyed members of the multidisciplinary discharge team at seven Emory Division of Hospital Medicine clinical sites in June 2024.<br /><br />Respondents included hospitalist physicians and advanced practice providers, nurses, physical and occupational therapists, and case managers/social workers. In total, 148 people responded: 61 physicians/APPs, 24 nurses, 34 PT/OT professionals, and 29 case managers/social workers.<br /><br />The most commonly identified barriers within the hospitalist’s control were:<br />- Discharge barriers not clearly discussed with the caregiver (65%)<br />- Concern that the discharge is not safe (51%)<br />- Delays in placing PT/OT orders (43%)<br />- Stopping or discontinuing care items (37%)<br /><br />The most common barriers outside the hospitalist’s control were:<br />- Limited resources for complex patients (74%)<br />- Delays in referrals to home health, rehab, or similar services (53%)<br />- Delays in processing imaging/interventional radiology orders (49%)<br />- Difficulty obtaining post-hospitalization coverage for medications, equipment, and related needs (48%)<br /><br />The findings suggest that different professional groups may notice different discharge obstacles, and that some barriers stem from communication or process issues that hospitalists can address, while others reflect system-level resource and access problems. The authors conclude that hospitals could improve throughput, reduce discharge delays, and lower costs by using these survey results to design targeted interventions and improve discharge procedures.

Asset Subtitle

Patricia R. Hwang

Meta Tag

Author List Hemang Shah, Jasmah Hanna, Maha Sulieman, Mary Ann K. Hall, Nelly Osakwe-Ozumba, Patricia R. Hwang, Rashida La Barrie, Vena R. Crichlow

Category Research

Concept Hospital Discharge

Concept Discharge Delay

Concept Hospitalist

Concept Case Manager

Concept Caregiver Communication

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization Emory

Presenting Author Patricia R. Hwang

Track Quality Improvement

Keywords

hospital discharge

discharge delays

hospitalists

multidisciplinary team

barriers to discharge

patient outcomes

care coordination

home health referrals

resource limitations

process improvement

Hospital Discharge

Discharge Delay

Hospitalist

Case Manager

Caregiver Communication