Improving Care for Long stayers
Care Process & Redesign
National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Medals
National University Health System
31 December 2024
Reduce total bed-days of longstayers within the Medicine department by 30% by Dec 2022, improving patient outcomes. Successfully optimized longstayer management, improving discharge processes and patient outcomes.
Year Submitted: 2024
Published Date: 31 December 2024
Tags: Care Continuum, Care Process ＆ Redesign, Rehabilitative Care, Value Based Care, Length Of Stay
About this Content
Aims
Reduce total bed-days of longstayers within the Medicine department by 30% by Dec 2022, improving patient outcomes, optimizing bed occupancy rate, and reducing ALOS.
Background
Prolonged hospital stays lead to increased risks of deconditioning and hospital-acquired infections. Longstayers occupied 1 in 4 hospital beds, with 74% under the Medicine department. A multidisciplinary team was formed to redesign care and reduce unnecessary prolonged stays.
Methods
Implemented interventions including Expected Discharge Date (EDD) documentation, a Longstayers Virtual Ward, and Multi-disciplinary Meetings (MDM) to streamline discharge planning.
Results
Achieved a 34% reduction in bed-days for longstayers compared to control wards, saving 525 bed-days per month. Results were sustained in 2023.
Conclusion
Successfully optimized longstayer management, improving discharge processes and patient outcomes. Future expansion will focus on refining interventions.
Lessons Learnt
System-level changes and long-term sustainability measures were critical to success. Small pilot projects and quick wins helped drive adoption.
Keywords
Dementia, Palliative Care, Community Health, Caregivers, Early Caregiver Training
Innovators' Details
Innovators' Details
Healthcare Cluster(s) | National University Health System |
Organization(s) Involved | Ng Teng Fong General Hospital |
Platform(s) | National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Medals |
Healthcare Professional Group(s) | Allied Health, Healthcare Administration |
Applicable Specialty or Discipline | Healthcare Administrators |
Project Lead(s) | Norhisham Main |
Project Member(s) | Pang Lu Kia |
Connect with this contributor!
Mr Pang Lu Kiat - Pang_lu_kiat@nuhs.edu.sg