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Review
. 2009 Aug;9(4):311-4.
doi: 10.7861/clinmedicine.9-4-311.

Timely discharge of older patients from hospital: improving the process

Philip Dainty  1 , Jimmy Elizabeth
Affiliations
Review

Timely discharge of older patients from hospital: improving the process

Philip Dainty et al. Clin Med (Lond). 2009 Aug.

Abstract

Elderly patients represent a large number of admissions to hospital, accounting for a disproportionate number of hospital bed days. Discharge planning can improve the safety and appropriateness of discharge from hospital, and can have a positive impact on length of stay and efficiency. Despite this, discharge planning is often neglected. This review, both evidence and experience based, is provided to aid with the safe discharge of elderly patients back into the community.

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Figures

Fig 1.
Fig 1.
The modified and proactive approach to discharge planning and its potential effect on the patient journey.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Comment in

  • Improving the process of discharge (1).
    Levine D. Levine D. Clin Med (Lond). 2010 Feb;10(1):95; author reply 96. doi: 10.7861/clinmedicine.10-1-95. Clin Med (Lond). 2010. PMID: 20408320 Free PMC article. No abstract available.
  • Improving the process of discharge (2).
    Leung D. Leung D. Clin Med (Lond). 2010 Feb;10(1):95; author reply 96. doi: 10.7861/clinmedicine.10-1-95a. Clin Med (Lond). 2010. PMID: 20411613 Free PMC article. No abstract available.

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