Study the Time Span of Patients Discharge Process in Imam Reza Hospital

The discharge process is the most effective steps in the hospital efficiency; moreover, it is one of the management challenges in many hospitals. This study aimed to determine the duration of discharge process in different inpatient parts of Imam Reza hospital.
Methods and Materials: This cross-sectional study investigated the time of discharge process in different inpatient parts of Imam Reza hospital. By census, 122 patients who were discharged during the two weeks were participated in the present study. Data were collected by attending in discharge unit, observing the patients case, recording the time of physician discharge order, and receiving the exit card. Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics such as mean and frequency using Excel software.
The results indicated that the mean discharge process was 129.6 minutes with a standard deviation of 72.4 minutes at Emam Reza hospital. The minimum time of discharge process was related to male surgery with duration of 20 minutes. In addition, the maximum time of discharge process was related to female surgery with duration of 375 minutes.
Discussion and Although there were no statistically significant differences in the mean score of the time of discharge in Emam Reza hospital, the impact of being educational hospital cannot be ignored in this process. Therefore, it is recommended to develop the certain programs for interns to attend punctually in the sections. Furthermore, computer systems can be used to expedite the discharge process.