SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Effect of Documented 'Medical Readiness' on Accuracy and Timeliness of Estimated Discharge Date

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This study examined whether documenting “medical readiness” (MR) in the electronic health record improves the accuracy and timeliness of estimated discharge dates (EDD). MR reflects whether a patient is medically ready to leave the hospital, while EDD predicts when discharge will actually occur.<br /><br />Primary hospital teams began documenting MR in October 2024. The researchers then reviewed 28,251 hospital discharges from November 2024 through February 2026 and measured whether the EDD was both accurate (within 1 day of discharge) and timely (entered at least 24 hours before discharge).<br /><br />Key findings:<br />- Among 18,190 discharges with MR documented, EDD was accurate and timely in 49.2% of cases.<br />- Among 10,061 discharges without MR documentation, EDD was accurate and timely in 27.2% of cases.<br /><br />In the internal medicine subgroup, the pattern was similar:<br />- With MR documented: 48.8% accurate and timely EDD<br />- Without MR documented: 13.9% accurate and timely EDD<br /><br />The frequency of EDD updates was similar across groups, suggesting the improvement was associated with MR documentation itself rather than more frequent updating.<br /><br />The authors conclude that structured MR documentation meaningfully improves discharge prediction performance and can enhance patient flow, care coordination, and patient experience without requiring new technology or complex tools. They also note that MR and EDD provide complementary information and work best when aligned.

Asset Subtitle

Harish Pulluru

Meta Tag

Author List Harish Pulluru, Justin Birge

Category Research

Concept Medical Readiness

Concept Estimated Discharge Date

Concept Discharge Prediction

Concept Hospital Discharge

Concept Accurate Prediction

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization University of Nebraska Medical Center

Presenting Author Harish Pulluru

Track Transitions of Care

Keywords

medical readiness

estimated discharge date

EDD accuracy

timely discharge prediction

electronic health record

hospital discharge

care coordination

patient flow

internal medicine

discharge planning

Medical Readiness

Estimated Discharge Date

Discharge Prediction

Hospital Discharge

Accurate Prediction