Fulfilling last wishes: improving the compassionate discharge process
Fulfilling last wishes: improving the compassionate discharge process
Compassionate discharges (ComD), commonly known as rapid discharges, are urgent one-way discharges for critically ill hospitalised patients with death expected within hours or less than 7 days, to die at their place of choice-usually in their own home. Challenges abound in this time-sensitive setting when multiple parties must work together to prepare medically unstable patients for discharge, yet healthcare staff are largely unaware of the process, resulting in delays. Three Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles were used to refine a ComD resource package that was developed ... in order ... to support nurses, doctors and families during this difficult and emotional transition. The 12-month ComD success rate ... demonstrated ... a consistent reduction in the level of family anxiety before and after caregiver training and resources.