title: In-depth analysis of delays to patient discharge: a metropolitan teaching hospital experience.
abstract: Delayed patient discharge will likely exacerbate bed shortages. This study prospectively determined the frequency, causes and potential cost implications of delays for 83 consecutive patients, who were inpatients for a total of 888 days. 65% of patients experienced delay whilst awaiting a service. 48% of patients experienced delays that extended their discharge date. Discharge delays accounted for 21% of the cohort's inpatient stay, at an estimated cost of 565 sterling pounds per patient; 77% of these hold-ups resulted from delays in the provision of social and therapy requirements. Discharge delays are costly for hospitals and depressing for patients. Investment is required to enable health and social-care professionals to work more closely to improve the patient journey.
authors.affiliation: Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, UK.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Hendy
authors.forename: J H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Patel
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kordbacheh
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Laskar
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Harbord
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006784:Hospitals, Teaching; D006786:Hospitals, Urban; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010351:Patient Discharge; D013222:State Medicine / Q000458:organization & administration; D006113:United Kingdom; D055815:Young Adult