Introduction of discharge plan to reduce adverse events within 72 hours of discharge from the ICU.
We examined the effect of introducing a discharge plan on the occurrence of adverse events within 72 hours of intensive care unit discharge. The study excluded discharges to home or to another institution and "not-for-resuscitation" patients. The adverse events rate was 23%, of which 37% were considered to be preventable. Respiratory problems and infections were the most frequent reasons. The discharge plan contributed to a change in the nature and preventability of events and facilitates the discharge process.
Williams
Teresa A
TA
Critical Care Division, Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, Western Australia 6000.
Leslie
Gavin D
GD
Elliott
Noreen
N
Brearley
Linda
L
Dobb
Geoff J
GJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010351:Patient Discharge / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*