ANZICS CTG Endorsed Study

Delayed Discharge

Evaluation of clinical outcomes and cost consequences of delayed discharge from intensive care: A multicentre prospective observational study

A significant minority (18 – 28% during 2012) of patients in Australian intensive care units experience delays in their discharge from the ICU to the general ward. The effects of delayed discharge from the intensive care unit are not known but may be associated with disturbances in sleep, delirium, nosocomial infections and prolonged length of hospital stay. In addition, delayed ICU discharge is a significant contributor to waste in the health care system. Given these concerns, it is important to assess the exact incidence, duration and the impact of delayed discharge on clinical and economical outcomes. This will aid in improving not only the clinical outcomes but also efficient use of critical care resources. In this 3-month prospective observational study involving five ICUs in Victoria, we aim to assess the clinical and economic effects of delayed discharge from ICU.

Management Committee: Ravi Tiruvoipati (Chair), John Botha, and David Lewis.

Administerting Institution: Frankston Hospital, Peninsula Health

Results Publication: Tiruvoipati R, Botha J, Fletcher J, Gangopadhyay H, Majumdar M, Vij S, Paul E, Pilcher D; Australia and New Zealand Intensive Care Society (ANZICS) Clinical Trials Group. Intensive care discharge delay is associated with increased hospital length of stay: A multicentre prospective observational study. PLoS One. 2017 Jul 27;12(7):e0181827.