Improving discharge process for postnatal patients with prepacked medication bundle
Care Process & Redesign
National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Medals
National University Health System
30 January 2026
To improve the percentage of early discharges for postnatal patients by increasing the uptake of prepacked discharge. The introduction and enhancement of discharge bundles have demonstrated sustainability over more than a year, significantly improving.
Year Submitted: 2025
Published Date: 30 January 2026
Tags: Care Process ＆ Redesign, Productivity, Cost Saving, Time Saving, Quality Improvement, Workflow Redesign, Discharge Planning, Value Based Care
About this Content
Aims
To improve the percentage of early discharges for postnatal patients by increasing the uptake of prepacked discharge medication bundles from 20% to above 70%.
Background
Postnatal patients faced long waiting times for discharge medications, leading to delays in discharge and inpatient bed turnover. The Department of O&G collaborated with Pharmacy and Nursing to introduce a Discharge Bundle to shorten discharge time.
Methods
Background study to investigate pre-intervention percentage of early discharges. Fishbone analysis to identify factors delaying discharges. Time study to calculate time taken to process O&G discharge prescriptions. Data analysis to identify discharge prescription amendment rate. Implementation of a prepacked medication Discharge Bundle. Enhancements in 2020 and 2023 to revise bundle items, improve system, and redefine eligibility criteria.
Results
Interventions reduced average prescription processing time. Improved percentage bundle uptake and discharges before 11.30 am. Sustained bundle uptake rate above 70% with a current rate of 90%. Estimated time saved per patient is about 102 minutes.
End user surveys showed positive feedback, with 3 in 4 physicians agreeing the discharge bundle shortened prescribing time.
Conclusion
The introduction and enhancement of discharge bundles have demonstrated sustainability over more than a year, significantly improving early discharge rates in O&G wards.
Lessons Learnt
Interventions reduced average prescription processing time. Improved percentage bundle uptake and discharges before 11.30 am. Sustained bundle uptake rate above 70% with a current rate of 90%. Estimated time saved per patient is about 102 minutes.
Keywords
discharge, medication, bundle, postnatal, pharmacy, nursing, O&G, process, improvement
Innovators' Details
Innovators' Details
Healthcare Cluster(s) | National University Health System |
Organization(s) Involved | National University Hospital |
Platform(s) | National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Medals |
Healthcare Professional Group(s) | Medical, Nursing, Pharmacy |
Applicable Specialty or Discipline | Medical, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nursing, Nursing Research, Pharmacy |
Project Lead(s) | Kanneganti Abhiram |
Project Member(s) | Tiffany Valencia Puspita |
Connect with this contributor!
Kanneganti Abhiram - Abhiram_kanneganti@nuhs.edu.sg
Tiffany Valencia Puspita - tiffany_valencia_puspita@nuhs.edu.sg