Graduation Semester and Year
Spring 2026
Document Type
DNP Project
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Department
Nursing
First Advisor
Dr. Michelle Hampton PhD, RN, NEA-BC
Abstract
Background: Timely hospital discharge is essential for patient safety, satisfaction and hospital efficiency. Discharge delays, particularly those related to durable medical equipment (DME), increase length of stay (LOS), strain hospital resources and negatively impact patient outcomes. Evidence suggests that structured discharge planning and improved interdisciplinary communication reduce these delays.
Problem: On an acute care stepdown unit inconsistent DME tracking and poor communication among nurses, case managers, physicians, physical therapist, and DME vendors were identified as contributors to prolonged patient stays.
Methods: Guided by the Iowa Model of Evidence- Based Practice a real-time manual DME tracking system and structured communication process were implemented over eight weeks. Pre and post implementation chart reviews assessed DME related discharge timelines, documentation completeness, and staff perceptions of communication and workflow clarity
Results: Pre implementation review of 121 charts revealed an average of 8.5 days from DME order placement to discharge and 37.5% documentation completion. Post implementation review of 111 charts demonstrated a reduction to 5.7 days and 72% documentation completeness. Staff reported improved interdisciplinary communication, role clarity and enhanced visibility of DME order status.
Conclusion: Implementation of a real-time manual DME tracking system with structured interdisciplinary communication reduced discharge delays and improved documentation completeness. The project demonstrates how evidence-based interventions can enhance workflow efficiency, patient flow, and team accountability in acute care settings.
Keywords
Discharge delays, Durable medical equipment; Interdisciplinary communication, Evidence-based practice, Workflow efficiency
License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Houston, Shonda, "Improving Discharge Delays Through a Real-Time Durable Medical Equipment Tracking System and Enhanced Interdisciplinary Communication" (2026). Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects-Archive. 130.
https://mavmatrix.uta.edu/nursing_dnpprojects/130