Key result
The introduction of a discharge coordinator improved the discharge planning process and reduced problems experienced by patients after discharge, but at an additional cost.
Why the study?
Does a dedicated discharge coordinator improve the quality of hospital discharge in adult patients admitted to medical wards?
Population
600 randomly sampled adult patients admitted to medical wards, resident in the district, under the care of…
Comparison
Introduction of a dedicated discharge coordinator vs Baseline care and district discharge planning…
Design
Other
Follow-up
7 to 10 days after discharge
Authors
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Supports discharge coordinator adoption in medical wards despite added costs; extends RCT evidence on care transitions.
Does a dedicated discharge coordinator improve the quality of hospital discharge in adult patients admitted to medical wards?
The introduction of a dedicated discharge coordinator improves the quality of hospital discharge planning and reduces post-discharge problems for medical patients, though at an additional cost.
Houghton et al. (1996) studied Hospital discharge (n=600). Discharge coordinator vs. Usual care (baseline before introduction of the coordinator) was evaluated on Quality and outcome of discharge planning, readmission rates, duration of stay, appropriateness of days of care, patients' health and satisfaction, problems after discharge, and receipt of services. The introduction of a discharge coordinator improved the discharge planning process and reduced problems experienced by patients after discharge, but at an additional cost.
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