Author: Baumann M, Evans S, Perkins M, Curtis L, Netten A, Fernandez J, Huxley P
Journal: Health and Social Care in the Community, 2007
Volume/pages: Vol 15(4), pp295-305

About the study
This English study explored hospital discharge processes in six ‘high performing’ sites to identify factors supporting and hindering low rates of delayed hospital discharge. Interviews were carried out with health and social services staff involved in discharge arrangement, to explore key features of discharge planning, working practices and local services.

Findings
A number of factors linked to integration of services were identified as supporting low rates of delayed discharge. These included: multi-agency forums and joint work to develop protocols, implement new systems, train staff and commission new or expand existing services; revised discharge protocols and revised systems for inter-agency communication about discharge, including meetings between hospital discharge teams and social services team managers to agree delay figures for fortnightly DH returns; regular contact, which minimised delays as it was clear who was responsible for what activity; early notification (at least 3 days) to care managers prior to discharge; and the attachment of care managers to specific wards, which nurtured good relationships and communication.

Key messages

• Effective joint working supports low levels of delayed discharge.