SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Improving Early Discharge Before 2pm on Cancer Unit

Pdf Summary

The project aimed to increase early hospital discharges before 2 PM, which can improve hospital flow and satisfaction for patients and staff. At a medical hematology-oncology unit in an urban tertiary academic center, early discharges had declined from 18.7% in 2019 to 13% in 2021 and 8.3% in January 2022, prompting an intervention.<br /><br />A hospitalist-led interdisciplinary team involving nursing, case management, and social work identified patients likely to be discharged within 24–48 hours during rounds, especially those finishing radiation, IV antibiotics, or chemotherapy. The team introduced a discharge tent card as a visual reminder for patients and families that discharge was expected the next day. This also helped staff prepare in advance by sending medications to pharmacy, completing bedside education, and arranging home care or transportation.<br /><br />Data were collected over six months to measure impact. Early discharges steadily improved, rising from 8.3% in January 2022 to 17.8% in August and 18.3% in September (7/37). The initiative was considered effective, cost-efficient, and helpful for patient-centered communication. Based on its success, unit leadership approved expansion of the discharge tent card hospital-wide.

Asset Subtitle

Donna v. Cardoza

Meta Tag

Author List Donna v. Cardoza, Keon Combie, Matan Halpern, Sean P. Lavine MD, Semie Kang

Category Innovations

Concept Early Hospital Discharge

Concept Discharge Tent Card

Concept Discharge timing

Concept Discharge Barrier

Concept ED Throughput

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization LIJ- Northwell Health

Presenting Author Donna v. Cardoza

Track Transitions of Care

Keywords

early hospital discharge

hospital flow

patient satisfaction

hematology-oncology unit

interdisciplinary team

discharge tent card

patient-centered communication

hospitalist-led rounds

care coordination

hospital-wide expansion

Early Hospital Discharge

Discharge Tent Card

Discharge timing

Discharge Barrier

ED Throughput