Criteria Led Discharge (CLD) refers to the discharge of patients by nursing, midwife, allied health and junior medical staff who have the necessary knowledge, skills and competencies to review patients and initiate inpatient discharge. The process is supported by predetermined criteria which are developed with multi-disciplinary agreement and approved by the Authorised Admitting Practitioner (consultant or other) who has the ultimate clinical responsibility for the patient.
Criteria Led Discharge
Summary
Aim
The discharge of patients can be hindered by system as well as patient factors. Use of CLD ensures that patients are discharged as soon as is clinically and socially safe / appropriate to do so. Use of CLD supports re-engineering of system processes if required to facilitate efficient discharge practice.
Benefits
- increased patient and carer satisfaction
- reduced length of stay
- improved patient flow through inpatient facilities
- improved multidisciplinary discharge planning and practice
- improved healthcare cost efficiency
- improved access to hospital beds
- improved achievement of National Emergency Access Targets and National Elective Surgery Targets
- transparent discharge practices
- improved bed management
- improved coordination of patient care
- reduced unplanned re-admissions related to the initial reason for admission.
Background
Queensland Health is committed to the delivery of high quality, safe, best practice and cost effective health care. In February 2013, Queensland Health implemented the Blueprint for better healthcare in Queensland. This document prioritises CLD as a primary patient flow strategy. While there are many components that contribute to effective bed utilisation, implementation of appropriate discharge processes is key to facilitating optimal patient flow. The use of CLD facilitates effective discharge practice by enabling clinicians, aside from Medical Specialists, with the necessary knowledge, skills and experience to review patients and initiate discharge in line with criteria, policies and procedures which have multi-disciplinary agreement.