Utility of the admission/discharge patient flow management system at the acute care hospital

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to verify the effects of implementing the admission/discharge patient flow management (PFM) system on hospital length of stay, duration from admission to surgery, unscheduled readmission rate, and patient satisfaction. Methods: A 1-year prospective observational study was conducted to compare patient outcomes before and after implementing the PFM system. Data were collected from electronic medical records, matched according to surgical technique and age, and analyzed using the Chi-square test and t-test. Patient satisfaction was determined through surveys sent by mail. Results: A total of 1138 participants were included in this study. PFM implementation significantly reduced the duration from admission to surgery; however, it did not significantly improve the length of stay or unscheduled readmission rate. The patient satisfaction rate was >65%. Conclusions: Preoperative orientation and assessment by a multidisciplinary team in the outpatient department could reduce the duration from admission to surgery and improve patient satisfaction.