Pages: 1-14

Abstract

Delayed hospital discharges pose a significant challenge, impacting both patient care and the efficiency of healthcare services. An “inpatient” is someone admitted to the hospital to receive treatment and take advantage of a variety of hospital services. The admission process encompasses observation, diagnosis, and treatment, while discharge occurs when a patient leaves the hospital after completing their treatment. Delays in this discharge process can result in unnecessarily prolonged hospital stays, which diminish the quality of care patients receive and substantially drive up healthcare costs. Extended hospitalizations also isolate patients from their families and communities, while exposing them to preventable risks, such as hospital-acquired infections, depression, and physical decline. The primary objective of this study is to explore the discharge process, pinpoint the factors causing delays, and propose strategies to reduce discharge times. Discharge delays typically happen when patients are medically cleared but remain in the hospital for non-medical reasons. This not only creates backlogs in emergency services but also increases healthcare costs, affecting the overall efficiency of the healthcare system. Various factors contribute to these delays, including clinical care challenges, patient preferences, hospital infrastructure limitations, and external influences like insurance policies. Understanding the root causes of delayed discharges is crucial for healthcare providers aiming to develop effective solutions. By identifying specific factors responsible for delays, hospitals can implement targeted interventions to enhance discharge efficiency, improve patient outcomes, and optimize overall hospital performance. This holistic approach requires coordinated teamwork within hospitals and collaboration between healthcare and social services to effectively address this systemic issue.

Keywords: Saudi Arabia, Patient discharges, Hospital, Riyadh, Delays

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