Use of a daily rounding checklist on the Clinical Teaching Unit improves interdisciplinary communication around discharge

摘要

BACKGROUNDAs the care needs of the paediatric inpatient population become increasingly complex, demands for hospitalization and efficient patient flow have resulted in the need for increased attention to discharge processes. Inefficient discharges impact flow throughout the healthcare system, extend length of stay, increase health care costs and decrease patient satisfaction. As a large inpatient service with high staff turnover, our Clinical Teaching Unit (CTU) experiences considerable variability in approach to discharge planning. Prior work at our institution has recognized inconsistent practice and gaps in communication around discharge planning as challenges to efficient patient discharge.