title: Delayed discharge from rehabilitation after brain injury.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the extent of, and factors contributing to, delayed discharges for younger adults in rehabilitation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Survey of patients discharged and awaiting discharge in a six-month period in five centres across England operated by a leading independent sector provider. Discharge was classified as delayed if a person had been waiting more than 30 days for transfer.
  
  
  RESULTS
  One in three beds was occupied by a delayed discharge (median delay > seven months). Common reasons were absence of a suitable placement (41%) and failure to obtain funding for postdischarge support (31%). Delays were also associated with poor indoor mobility and additional physical/mental health problems. We estimated earlier discharge would have resulted in overall cost savings of almost ł490 000.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Delayed discharge remains a significant obstacle to the development of cost-effective care pathways for younger adults. Our study suggests that health and social services are not exploiting the UK government's legislation for flexible partnership working in this area.
authors.affiliation: Brain Injury Rehabilitation Trust, West Heath House, Birmingham, UK. aworthington@birt.co.uk
authors.forename: Andrew D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Worthington
authors.forename: J Barrie
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Oldham
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D017598:Efficiency, Organizational; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010351:Patient Discharge / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012046:Rehabilitation / Q000458:organization & administration; D014600:Utilization Review; D014852:Wales