Discharge Lounge Utilization

Abstract

Efficient hospital throughput is crucial for maintaining quality patient care and managing healthcare resources effectively. This project examines the relationship between hospital throughput, measured by discharge lounge utilization, and the National Emergency Department Overcrowding Scale (NEDOCS) score. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative analysis of discharge lounge utilization data with qualitative assessment of staff perceptions and operational challenges. The project was conducted over nine months in a large urban hospital. Results indicate a significant correlation between discharge lounge utilization rates and NEDOCS scores, suggesting that higher levels of discharge lounge utilization are associated with NEDOCS score improvement. Furthermore, qualitative findings reveal various operational barriers and staff perspectives influencing hospital throughput. This project contributes to a better understanding of the complex factors impacting hospital throughput and provides insights for improving healthcare delivery processes to enhance patient flow and alleviate overcrowding in emergency departments