Optimizing the Discharge Lounge Efficiency: A Quality Improvement Initiative With Innovative Approaches
Michaele Kennedy1, Lauren A Wolff, Joan Kennedy
1Author Affiliations : Patient Care Services, UPMC Presbyterian (Mss M. Kennedy, Wolff, Smith-Fortney), Capacity Management, UPMC Physician Operations & Professional Services (Ms J. Kennedy), and Acute & Tertiary Care Department, University of Pittsburgh (Dr Fennimore), Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Journal of Nursing Care Quality
|May 9, 2025
Summary
Implementing a patient discharge lounge significantly reduced hospital wait times. This initiative decreased emergency department (ED) wait times by an average of 192 minutes, improving overall hospital throughput.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Management
- Quality Improvement Initiatives
- Hospital Operations
Background:
- Patient discharge lounges have been utilized for over 30 years to enhance hospital throughput.
- Inconsistent provider, staff, and patient engagement have historically hindered widespread implementation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To decrease emergency department (ED) patient wait times by reducing delays in patient discharge.
- To optimize hospital patient flow through targeted interventions.
Main Methods:
- A pre/post-implementation quality improvement design was employed.
- Key strategies included dedicated staffing by unlicensed patient care technicians, patient identification, timely medication delivery, and interprofessional education.
Main Results:
- Discharge lounge utilization saw a 12.5% increase.
- The time from discharge order to patient departure from inpatient units reduced by 14 minutes.
- Emergency department (ED) wait times decreased by an average of 192 minutes.
Conclusions:
- The implemented strategies demonstrated significant positive outcomes in improving patient throughput.
- These innovative approaches offer a scalable model for other healthcare organizations seeking to reduce wait times and enhance efficiency.
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