title: Implementation of a patient discharge policy.
abstract: The use of an integrated hospital discharge policy is now mandatory and no longer optional. Staff education about, and familiarity with, the hospital discharge process shortens a patient's period of hospitalisation. Patients see discharge planning as an important and integral part of their hospitalisation.
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: McHale
mesh_terms: D006739:Hospital Administration; D006801:Humans; D016134:Organizational Policy; D010351:Patient Discharge; D010564:Personnel, Hospital / Q000193:education