Comparative Assessment of Discharge Process in Ali-ebne Abitaleb and Quaem Hospitals

There is not enough time for any organization to experience everything by itself but it is possible to compare its processes with other organizations in order to fulfill its functions effectively. The main aim of this research was to assess and compare discharge processes in Ali-ebne Abitaleb and Quaem hospitals. A cross-sectional survey was carried out on discharge department of Ali-ebne Abitaleb and Quaem hospitals in first half 2005. In order to assess discharge processes quantitative criteria including discharge manner, number of staff, characteristics of staff, equipment and process time and patient satisfaction as a qualitative criterion were applied. Data were collected by documents surveying, observation, time measuring and questionnaire. 50 internal and surgical inpatients that have stayed at hospital for at least 48 hour have been approached randomly and their satisfaction was measured through a reliable and valid questionnaire. Also for time measuring 60 aforementioned inpatients were surveyed. Statistical significance was considered with a P value of less than 0.05. In two hospitals, discharge manner of patients was different. Mean time of processes fulfillment were significantly different. Total sum scores of equipment of discharge unit were 3.028 in Ali-ebne Abitaleb and 5.030 in Quaem hospitals. Total sum scores of staff characteristics of discharge unit were 2.24 in Ali-ebne Abitaleb and 8.90 in Quaem hospitals. Mean of patient's satisfaction was 2.37 in Ali-ebne Abitaleb and 3.85 in Quaem hospitals and were significantly different. Because of the differences between two hospitals regarding to time of processes fulfillment, equipment, staff number, staff characteristics and patients satisfaction it is recommended that Ali-ebne Abitaleb hospital benchmark itself with Quaem Hospital.