Same Day Discharge Post Mastectomy
Care Process & Redesign
National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Medals
National University Health System
10 October 2025
The aim of the project is to implement a Same Day Discharge (SDD) program for mastectomy patients to improve patient. The SDD program is a cost-effective and sustainable approach that reduces hospital stays, minimizes costs, and improves patient.
Year Submitted: 2025
Published Date: 10 October 2025
Tags: Care Process ＆ Redesign, Workflow Redesign, Cost Saving, Time Saving, Quality Improvement, Productivity, Discharge Planning, Value Based Care, Access To Care, Bed Occupancy Rate
About this Content
Aims
The aim of the project is to implement a Same Day Discharge (SDD) program for mastectomy patients to improve patient outcomes, optimize hospital capacity, and enhance access to care.
Background
Traditionally, mastectomy patients stayed 1-2 nights post-surgery, leading to longer hospital stays, higher infection risks, and reduced bed availability. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift toward outpatient mastectomy care.
Methods
A structured SDD program was introduced, incorporating new workflows, enhanced patienteducation, multidisciplinary coordination, and tele-visits. The program involved a multidisciplinary team and focused on patients undergoing elective unilateral mastectomy.
Results
Post-implementation, 57% of patients were discharged on the same day, with no major complications and one readmission. The average cost saving per patient was $4,954 -$5,774.
Conclusion
The SDD program is a cost-effective and sustainable approach that reduces hospital stays, minimizes costs, and improves patient satisfaction and recovery.
Lessons Learnt
Key lessons include the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration, patient education,and structured workflows. Early engagement with stakeholders and continuous feedback were critical for refinement.
Keywords
Mastectomy, Discharge, Patient Care, Workflow, Efficiency
Innovators' Details
Innovators' Details
Healthcare Cluster(s) | National University Health System |
Organization(s) Involved | National University Hospital (NUH), National University Health System (NUHS) |
Platform(s) | National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Medals |
Healthcare Professional Group(s) | Nursing, Healthcare Administration |
Applicable Specialty or Discipline | Surgery, Healthcare Administrators |
Project Lead(s) | Lui Su Ann |
Project Member(s) | Mikael Hartman |
Connect with this contributor!
Yeoh Yen Shing - yenshing_yeoh@nuhs.edu.sg