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WGU HLTH 2320 D396 Evidence-Based Practice for Health and Human Services - Enhancing Patient Satisfaction: Evidence-Based Discharge

Introduction

Discharge planning involves creating a personalized plan for patients transitioning from a healthcare facility to another setting. The discharge process should not be seen as the conclusion of care but rather as an essential step in the continuum of a patient’s health journey. Effective discharge planning ensures that patients have access to the necessary healthcare services upon leaving the hospital.

The scenario under discussion involves a rise in hospital readmission rates and patient dissatisfaction, contributing to higher healthcare costs and longer hospital stays. The absence of a structured discharge protocol is a key factor behind these issues. A well-developed discharge plan connects patients with community support systems, including assistance with medications, food, home maintenance, and wound care. These measures help prevent disease progression and hospital-acquired infections, which are among the leading causes of readmissions. Furthermore, frequent hospitalizations can negatively impact patient satisfaction, leading to low hospital ratings in customer experience surveys.

The research question guiding this analysis is: What is the most effective evidence-based practice process to improve patient satisfaction and reduce hospital readmission rates?

Evidence-Based Discharge Protocols and Their Impact on Readmissions

Properly implemented evidence-based discharge protocols significantly decrease hospital readmission rates, ultimately enhancing patient quality of life. However, ensuring the effective delivery of post-discharge care is often a complex and time-intensive process, adding additional strain on already overworked bedside nurses (Wood et al., 2018). Two of the most common causes of hospital readmissions are medication non-adherence and inadequate follow-up care. These issues often stem from insufficient discharge instructions and a lack of patient education.

To enhance patient outcomes, healthcare organizations should adopt a more comprehensive discharge approach. This includes one-on-one patient education during hospitalization and continued support throughout the post-discharge transition period. Research indicates that effective patient education significantly improves health-related behaviors and reduces infection risks, consequently lowering the likelihood of hospital readmissions. Providing high-quality care at every stage of the patient experience is fundamental to improving satisfaction rates and ensuring successful recovery post-discharge.

Enhancing Post-Discharge Support to Reduce Readmissions

Supporting patients as they transition from acute hospital care to home-based care plays a vital role in preventing readmissions and fostering positive patient-provider relationships. According to Millard et al. (2020), training patients in self-care techniques can significantly ease their transition from critical care settings to independent home management. The study demonstrated that comprehensive patient education during the transition phase led to a 500% reduction in unplanned hospital visits.

This finding underscores the importance of patient education as a key component of evidence-based discharge protocols. By equipping patients with the knowledge and skills to manage their post-discharge care, healthcare professionals can empower them to take control of their health, reducing the likelihood of complications and unnecessary hospital readmissions.

Conclusion

Developing and implementing structured, evidence-based discharge protocols is essential for enhancing patient satisfaction and lowering hospital readmission rates. The integration of comprehensive patient education, one-on-one discharge counseling, and ongoing post-discharge support improves health outcomes while reducing strain on healthcare facilities. By prioritizing evidence-based approaches, hospitals can achieve higher-quality care, greater patient engagement, and more efficient resource utilization.

References

Millard, R., Cooper, D., & Boyle, M. J. (2020). Improving Self-Care Outcomes in Ostomy Patients via Education and Standardized Discharge Criteria. Home Healthcare Now, 38(1), 16–23. https://doi.org/10.1097/nhh.0000000000000816

Wood, R. L., Migliore, L. A., Nasshan, S. J., Mirghani, S. R., & Contasti, A. C. (2018). Confronting Challenges in Reducing Heart Failure 30‐Day Readmissions: Lessons Learned With Implications for Evidence‐Based Practice. Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing, 16(1), 43–50. https://doi.org/10.1111/wvn.12336

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