Unlocking success: Multidisciplinary rounds for effective discharge planning.

Authors

Kiara Whitney

Kiara Whitney

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX

Kiara Whitney , Tara Tatum , Lijo Saji , Cynae Johnson , Katherine Cain , Claire Marten , Marguerite Neidhart , Rashida Crawford , Shani Johnson , LaKisha D. Washington , Karen H. Lu , Pamela T. Soliman , Nicole D. Fleming

Organizations

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, Department of Gynecologic Oncology & Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX

Research Funding

No funding received

Background: Multidisciplinary rounds (MDR) streamline collaboration among healthcare professionals across various disciplines to devise patient progress and post-hospitalization transition plans. In our gynecology oncology inpatient unit, coordinating patient care involves multiple teams aiming for discharge objectives. While nurses oversee the care plan, physicians, advanced practice providers, case managers, and other key stakeholders possess essential insights to effective discharge planning. The aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of structured MDR implementation on discharge accuracy, effectiveness, and hospital throughput. Methods: In April 2022, our gynecologic oncology inpatient team implemented structured MDRs to enhance discharge processes, focusing on patient outcomes and hospital throughput. The initiative aimed to identify discharge barriers early, set goals, and address challenges collaboratively through: 1) Interdisciplinary Assessment: Using standardized tools to evaluate patient status and care needs; 2) Review of Clinical Data: Analyzing medical records via EHR systems; 3) Collaborative Decision-Making: Using decision-support tools to set the Estimated Discharge Date (EDD); 4) Patient Engagement: Involving patients and families in shared decision-making; 5) Documentation and Communication: Ensuring clear EDD documentation and effective communication through team huddles, bedside rounds, and discharge planning meetings. EDD reporting, discharge order timing, and patient discharge time were tracked using our Care Team Transformation Dashboard. Results: The implementation of structured MDR led to significant improvements in discharge processes. We observed enhanced accuracy in EDD, with a 2.9% increase, and a notable rise in the completion of discharge orders before 9 am, showing a 60.5% increase (Table). The percentage of patients leaving the hospital before noon increased by 20.4%, highlighting MDRs effectiveness in facilitating timely discharge, enhancing intradisciplinary collaboration, and streamlining discharge efficiency. Conclusions: MDRs play a pivotal role in improving teamwork, quality of care, and patient outcomes. Setting EDDs through structured MDR processes enhances proactive discharge planning, thereby reducing delays and optimizing patient flow, ultimately contributing to the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered healthcare.

MeasurePreintervention: 1/2023-1/2024Postintervention
02-05/2024
Percentage Increase
EDD accuracy 1 day prior46.948.32.9%
Discharge orders before 9am33.453.660.5%
Discharges prior to noon19.123.020.4%

Disclaimer

This material on this page is ©2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology, all rights reserved. Licensing available upon request. For more information, please contact licensing@asco.org

Abstract Details

Meeting

2024 ASCO Quality Care Symposium

Session Type

Poster Session

Session Title

Poster Session A

Track

Quality, Safety, and Implementation Science,Cost, Value, and Policy,Patient Experience,Palliative and Supportive Care

Sub Track

Quality Improvement Research and Implementation Science

Citation

JCO Oncol Pract 20, 2024 (suppl 10; abstr 341)

DOI

10.1200/OP.2024.20.10_suppl.341

Abstract #

341

Poster Bd #

H3

Abstract Disclosures

Similar Abstracts

Abstract

2023 ASCO Quality Care Symposium

Multidisciplinary education and action to foster equitable cancer care.

First Author: Monica Augustyniak

Abstract

2023 ASCO Annual Meeting

Dynamics of multidisciplinary teams in the Arab world.

First Author: Riham H. AbdelAziz