SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Interprofessional Discharge Huddle to Improve Discharge Processes and Patient Experience

Pdf Summary

This mixed-methods quality improvement pilot studied a nurse-driven Interprofessional Discharge Huddle (DH) on a general medicine teaching service to improve hospital discharge processes and patient experience. The intervention was designed to engage patients and care partners, improve communication, and reduce errors during a vulnerable transition in care.<br /><br />The DH was introduced through staff orientation, meetings, posters, and a mobile app. Nurses organized and documented each huddle. The pilot ran from May to August 2023. Of 249 eligible patients, 59 had a completed DH, with use highest early in the project. About 21% of huddles identified a discharge-plan issue, such as medications or follow-up.<br /><br />Preliminary results suggested improved outcomes on the study service compared with usual care. Patient satisfaction scores showed a trend toward higher top-box ratings (77–83% vs. 56–67% in the prior year), and follow-up appointment completion was also higher (21% vs. 15%). Nurses consistently reported that the DH improved discharge communication, supported workflow, and was appreciated by patients.<br /><br />However, implementation barriers were common. Themes from focus groups included workflow/logistics challenges, insufficient training, lack of time, lack of help, and the fact that the DH applied only to a subset of patients. Limitations of the study included the small sample size and inconsistent DH completion.<br /><br />Overall, the DH appears promising as a safer, more patient-centered discharge intervention. The team plans another PDSA cycle with broader implementation across general medicine services and improved training, and will further evaluate post-discharge outcomes such as prescription fills and follow-up attendance.

Asset Subtitle

Evelyn Coves-Datson

Meta Tag

Author List Evelyn Coves-Datson, Herrick Fisher, Jeffrey Schnipper, Jillian Osborne, Linda Delaporta

Category Innovations

Concept Multidisciplinary Discharge Huddle

Concept Discharge Process

Concept Interprofessional Team

Concept NURSE

Concept Quality Improvement

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization Brigham and Women's Hospital

Presenting Author Evelyn Coves-Datson

Track Transitions of Care

Keywords

Interprofessional Discharge Huddle

nurse-driven intervention

hospital discharge process

patient experience

quality improvement

general medicine

care transitions

patient-centered communication

follow-up appointment

workflow barriers

Multidisciplinary Discharge Huddle

Discharge Process

Interprofessional Team

NURSE

Quality Improvement