title: Discharge huddle outfitted with mobile technology improves efficiency of transitioning stroke patients into follow-up care.
abstract: Disjointed patient care is a well-documented problem in health care systems, often stemming from poor communication between providers, services, and follow-up care resources. A multidisciplinary discharge huddle, augmented with cellular and tablet technology, was implemented on the Neurology Stroke Service to facilitate multidisciplinary communication, improve transition of patients, and increase referrals into affiliated follow-up care. After initiating the huddle, patient length of stay decreased by 1.4 days (25%), patient flow into continuum partners increased by 10%, and the number of patients going without services after their hospital stay decreased by more than 12%. Huddle members reported that the technology was helpful, heavily utilized, and made their work more efficient. This pilot suggests that utilizing modern mobile technologies can help improve efficiency and referrals within the health care system and reduce patient length of stay.
authors: Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN.
authors: Brittany R
authors: BR
authors: Tielbur
authors: Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN.
authors: Donna E
authors: DE
authors: Rice Cella
authors: Macalester College, Minneapolis, MN.
authors: Amanda
authors: A
authors: Currie
authors: Baylor University, Waco, TX.
authors: Jonathan D
authors: JD
authors: Roach
authors: Baylor University, Waco, TX.
authors: Bryan
authors: B
authors: Mattingly
authors: Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN.
authors: Jack
authors: J
authors: Boone
authors: Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN.
authors: Christina
authors: C
authors: Watwood
authors: Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN.
authors: Ann
authors: A
authors: McGauran
authors: Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN.
authors: Howard S
authors: HS
authors: Kirshner
authors: Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN David.Charles@Vanderbilt.edu.
authors: P David
authors: PD
authors: Charles
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D040421:Cell Phone; D034201:Computers, Handheld; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010351:Patient Discharge; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000458:organization & administration; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D060145:Text Messaging
keywords: continuum of care; efficiency; length of stay; multidisciplinary communication; patient discharge; rehabilitation; technology