Timely discharge of older patients from hospital: improving the process.
Elderly patients represent a large number of admissions to hospital, accounting for a disproportionate number of hospital bed days. Discharge planning can improve the safety and appropriateness of discharge from hospital, and can have a positive impact on length of stay and efficiency. Despite this, discharge planning is often neglected. This review, both evidence and experience based, is provided to aid with the safe discharge of elderly patients back into the community.
Dainty
Philip
P
Department of Elderly Care, Stafford General Hospital, Stafford. phil.dainty@tesco.net
Elizabeth
Jimmy
J
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D015577:Geriatric Assessment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010351:Patient Discharge / Q000592:standards* / Q000639:trends; D013997:Time Factors