SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Teamwork Makes the Dc Work: Approach for Safer Discharge Experience

Pdf Summary

This poster describes a “Team Discharge” initiative designed to improve hospital discharge education and patient understanding of post-discharge care. The project responds to common gaps in discharge communication, including medication changes, follow-up appointments, self-management instructions, and return precautions, all of which can affect outcomes after leaving the hospital.<br /><br />The initiative uses a multidisciplinary, patient-centered process at the bedside. In the model, the physician prepares discharge instructions, the nurse completes the After Visit Summary (AVS), and then both meet with the patient to review the plan together. The nurse then finalizes the discharge process in the electronic medical record. This team-based approach aims to strengthen communication, clarify instructions, and support a smoother transition from hospital to home.<br /><br />The poster reports that compliance with Team Discharge has continued to increase and that it is now the primary discharge method in the hospital. Early data suggest improvement in several HCAHPS patient experience domains, especially Discharge Information, Care Transitions, and Communication about Medications.<br /><br />Overall, the initiative shows that bringing the full care team to the bedside can improve discharge clarity and patient-centeredness. Continued education and standardization are recommended to further strengthen the process and maximize its benefits.

Asset Subtitle

Greta Schmitt

Meta Tag

Author List Dena Hayes, Greta Schmitt, Marwa Moussa, Morris Jrada, Xinyuan Wu

Category Innovations

Concept Team Discharge

Concept Hospital Discharge Education

Concept Patient-Centered Communication

Concept Interdisciplinary Communication

Concept Discharge Planning

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization Nyu

Presenting Author Greta Schmitt

Track Transitions of Care

Keywords

Team Discharge

hospital discharge education

patient understanding

post-discharge care

medication changes

follow-up appointments

After Visit Summary

patient-centered care

care transitions

HCAHPS patient experience

Team Discharge

Hospital Discharge Education

Patient-Centered Communication

Interdisciplinary Communication

Discharge Planning