Demonstrating Return on Investment for a Nurse-Led Discharge Lounge: A Strategy for Improving Hospital Throughput

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Hospital Operations
• Patient Flow Optimization

Background:

• Discharge delays and emergency department (ED) overcrowding significantly impede hospital efficiency and patient care.
• Limited research exists on the financial return on investment (ROI) of discharge lounges (DC Lounges).

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the operational and financial impact of a nurse-led DC Lounge in a major academic medical center.
• To determine the cost-savings-based ROI of the DC Lounge initiative.

Main Methods:

• A quantitative, descriptive design was employed to analyze the first year of DC Lounge operation.
• Key data points included discharge times, lounge utilization, saved inpatient bed days, and ED hold hours.
• ROI was calculated based on cost avoidance strategies.

Main Results:

• The DC Lounge achieved financial break-even and a 1.16 ROI, saving 88.9 inpatient bed days.
• Utilization surged by 400% in the first year, with a 19% reduction in average patient time in the lounge.
• The initiative led to improved rates of hospital discharges before 2 PM.

Conclusions:

• This study provides novel quantification of DC Lounge ROI, confirming its operational and financial benefits.
• Effective nurse-led coordination and interdisciplinary teamwork were crucial for the DC Lounge's success.