R Conway1, F E Murray. 1. Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Beaumont Hospital, Hepatology Unit, Dublin, Ireland.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Increasing economic pressures coupled with an expanding and ageing population and a hostile economic climate have led to growing interest in the optimisation of bed usage within hospitals. There are many causes for delay in a patient's discharge. METHODS: This prospective observational study assessed consecutive patients admitted and discharged from hospital within a 52-day period for waiting times in the provision of requested diagnostic tests and services. RESULTS: Seventy patients were included in the study. There were median delays of 2 and 3 days for an MRI and colonoscopy, a delay of 3 days for a Holter monitor report, and 9 days for an occupational therapy referral. The median wait for consults was 1 day across all three services. CONCLUSIONS: Significant remediable delays exist during the course of many acute medical admissions. Addressing these factors will enable the provision of a faster and more cost-efficient service.
BACKGROUND: Increasing economic pressures coupled with an expanding and ageing population and a hostile economic climate have led to growing interest in the optimisation of bed usage within hospitals. There are many causes for delay in a patient's discharge. METHODS: This prospective observational study assessed consecutive patients admitted and discharged from hospital within a 52-day period for waiting times in the provision of requested diagnostic tests and services. RESULTS: Seventy patients were included in the study. There were median delays of 2 and 3 days for an MRI and colonoscopy, a delay of 3 days for a Holter monitor report, and 9 days for an occupational therapy referral. The median wait for consults was 1 day across all three services. CONCLUSIONS: Significant remediable delays exist during the course of many acute medical admissions. Addressing these factors will enable the provision of a faster and more cost-efficient service.
Authors: Tony J O'Connell; David I Ben-Tovim; Brian C McCaughan; Michael G Szwarcbord; Katherine M McGrath Journal: Med J Aust Date: 2008-03-17 Impact factor: 7.738
Authors: R Nardi; G Scanelli; A Tragnone; A Lolli; P Kalfus; A Baldini; T Ghedini; S Bombarda; L Fiadino; S Di Ciommo Journal: Intern Emerg Med Date: 2007-07-09 Impact factor: 3.397
Authors: Krishantha H Jasinarachchi; Ibrahim R Ibrahim; Breffni C Keegan; Rajaratnam Mathialagan; John C McGourty; James R N Phillips; Phyo K Myint Journal: BMC Geriatr Date: 2009-01-22 Impact factor: 3.921