Discharge lounge- a clinical pathway to value-based health care
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29352/mill0224e.41507Keywords:
nurses; patient discharge; crowding; caregivers; quality of healthcareAbstract
Introduction: The Value-Based Healthcare model aims to optimize healthcare delivery by reducing costs and improving outcomes valued by patients. Clinical Pathways (CPW) apply this approach by promoting evidence-based care tailored to institutional and patient needs. Hospital discharges without proper guidance increase readmissions and bed occupancy, compromising care quality.
Objective: To develop a CPW to optimize the hospital discharge process.
Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted, identifying 14 articles that informed the development of the first CPW version. This was followed by an exploratory-descriptive qualitative study using a focus group composed of one physician and five nurses with experience in hospital and primary healthcare settings. Data analysis followed Bardin’s content analysis framework.
Results: Four main categories emerged: Multidisciplinary Approach to Care Delivery, Communication and Coordination Between Levels of Care, Family Involvement in the Care Process, and Quality and Safety of Care. These were integrated into the CPW, which was subsequently validated by the focus group. The “Discharge Lounge – Functional Hospital Discharge Management Unit” includes two areas: “Load & Go,” a non-clinical space enabling bed turnover and efficient patient flow; and “Stay & Play,” for patients with medical discharge but pending nursing discharge. Interventions include family education, referrals, and caregiver training.
Conclusion: The CPW was validated by multidisciplinary experts, proving relevant and applicable. A pilot implementation is proposed to assess the CPW’s effectiveness and efficiency.
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