Survey of discharge efficiency in a major teaching hospital

This paper reports the results of a one week survey of discharge efficiency in a major teaching hospital in New South Wales. All discharges during the survey week were analysed to determine the reasons for delays. THe results indicate that delays are due principally to slow turnaround in delivery of discharge medications (where required), delays by nursing staff in ordering discharge transportation, and tardy arrival of discharge transport once ordered. The paper describes follow-up action taken to reduce delays.