Timely well baby nursery discharges
Care Process & Redesign
National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Medals
National University Health System
31 December 2024
Increase the number of eligible newborn discharges by 11:30 AM from 18.5% to 60% within six months. The intervention successfully improved discharge timeliness.
Year Submitted: 2024
Published Date: 31 December 2024
Tags: Care Process ＆ Redesign, Value Based Care, Discharge Planning, Quality Improvement, Workflow Redesign
About this Content
Aims
Increase the number of eligible newborn discharges by 11:30 AM from 18.5% to 60% within six months.
Background
Only 8 out of 531 babies (1.6%) were discharged before 11:30 AM between October 2021 and March 2022. Delayed discharges increased hospital resource strain and exposure to iatrogenic harm.
Methods
Implemented structured workflow redesign, including nurse-led discharges and standardized nursery discharge workflows across private and subsidized wards.
Results
The percentage of timely discharges increased to 92.4%, saving an estimated $60,216 monthly. Workflow standardization ensured sustainability.
Conclusion
The intervention successfully improved discharge timeliness. Future refinements will enhance integration across departments.
Lessons Learnt
Nurse-led discharges improved efficiency and patient turnover, reducing unnecessary delays.
Keywords
Nurse-Led Discharge, Neonatology, Workflow Optimization, Quality 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) | Nursing, Medical |
Applicable Specialty or Discipline | Neonatology, Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology |
Project Lead(s) | Low Jia Ming |
Project Member(s) | Jann Adriel Chua Sy |
Connect with this contributor!
Low Jia Ming - Jia_ming_low@nuhs.edu.sg