Patient Discharge Initiatives
Timely discharge is critical to efficiency and patient satisfaction, two of Montefiore Medical Center's primary quality improvement goals. Efficient discharge processes can also prevent delays that cost the hospital thousands of dollars per day.
Social Worker Reorganization and Interdisciplinary Team Rounds
Now arranged in interdisciplinary teams (IDTs), Montefiore Medical Center's social workers participate in IDT rounds, conducted daily throughout the hospital to provide safe, efficient, timely discharges for a widely diverse patient population; maintain high patient satisfaction; and contain cost while maintaining service excellence.
Medication Reconciliation
Montefiore's medication reconciliation system creates a comprehensive home medication list for each patient, with the goal of improving discharge-related communication, improving accuracy, and preventing potentially fatal errors.
Weekend Signouts
Restricted hospital service on weekends has historically prolonged hospital stays unnecessarily for many patients. Montefiore Medical Center responded to this issue with a dedicated weekend signout initiative, resulting in more patients discharged from the hospital each weekend, improved effectiveness of care, and reduced bed days and costs.