Developing discharge practice through education: module development, delivery and outcomes

In England (UK) the discharge of patients from hospital is a source of constant scrutiny from primary care trusts in order to reduce the patient length of stay in Hospital. To support nurses in practice a part time, post registration discharge practice education module was developed entitled Facilitating Timely Patient Discharge. It was the first of its kind to be accredited at degree level (level 6) during 2006. University evaluation of the module involved an academic assignment based on a 3000 word case study. Projects in practice were integrated to enable the students to apply theories to clinical practice. This aspect was driven by an organisational impetus to demonstrate learning back in practice to the benefit of Heart of England Foundation Trust (HEFT). Students self assessed their individual ability pre and post the discharge module using questionnaires citing 17 areas of discharge practice analysing knowledge and ability. They demonstrated an increase in knowledge and ability in key areas such as; 'understanding complex discharge' and 'teaching discharge practice to peers'. Although these were not formally included in the outcomes or evaluations they may inform future module development and design of delivery. The questionnaires were designed and developed with support for projects in practice from the Foundation of Nursing Studies in London.