Delayed discharges from an adult intensive care unit

Abstract

Objective: Intensive Care Unit (ICU) services are expensive, and therefore appropriate utilisation is imperative. Delayed discharges impact on the efficiency and effectiveness of ICU services. This study examines the prevalence and reasons for delayed discharge.

Method: Cross sectional study. We enrolled a prospective sample of all patients admitted to a 22-bed ICU over a 6-month period. Medical staff in ICU informed nursing shift coordinators when patients could be discharged. Nursing shift coordinators maintained a record of discharge times, delays and reasons for delay. Discharge was considered delayed if the patient was not relocated from the ICU within 8 hours …