The Research Question

"What does the available research-based evidence tell us about what models/strategies/practices are best suited for the timely and effective discharge of patients admitted to hospitals in NL?”

 

• FULL REPORT

• 4-PAGE SUMMARY

• 1-PAGE BRIEFING NOTE

• ONLINE COMPANION DOCUMENT

Background

Acute care admissions in Newfoundland and Labrador are similar to those in the rest of Canada, with a majority of patients having an Average Length of Stay (ALOS) of less than one week. However, Newfoundland and Labrador patients tend to have an ALOS approximately one day longer than their counterparts elsewhere in the country. Our Health System Partners asked CHRSP to examine the evidence for strategies that can reduce acute care length of stay while maintaining quality of care, reducing readmission rates, and minimizing healthcare costs.

For this study, CHRSP assembled a team headed by Subject Expert Dr. Christine Soong, Hospitalist Director at the Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto. Our Health System Leader was Dr. Susan Gillam, CEO of Western Health. The Project Team also included decision makers from all four Regional Health Authorities and the provincial Department of Health and Community Services, as well as clinicians and academic researchers.