The team at Royal Melbourne recognised that they needed to
improve discharge planning to tackle the problem of increasing length of stay in
their GEM (Geriatric and Evaluation Management) unit.
Royal Melbourne launched a two-tiered initiative which has
reduced GEM average LOS rates from 30 back in 2011 to 23 says currently (July
2014).
The first part of the initiative was to introduce “Flow
Manager” boards in all wards, including admission diagnosis, alerts, discharge
plans and goals, and the expected discharge date using a traffic light style
indicator.
The second part of the initiative was based around improved
communications through “Productive Meetings” with staff, patients and
families. As part of this, they provided
more information up front to patients and families with a DVD, brochure and a Carers
Checklist.
Most impressive was the support given to change management,
keeping the staff informed and engaged and maintaining executive support of
NUMs, ANUMs and Flow Coordinators.
Royal Melbourne and other hospital’s innovation
presentations are available to HRT members by clinking here.
To find out more about these and other innovations from this
meeting, please email chris.o’gorman@healthroundtable.org