DNP Scholarly Projects
Abstract
Project Title: Implementation of a Standardized Discharge Process at a Substance Use Disorder Inpatient Treatment Facility
Background and Rationale: Currently, millions of adults are suffering from substance use disorder. For those in recovery, 45-55% of these adults will relapse within the first 6 months of leaving rehab, and due to loss of tolerance to their preferred drug of choice, these clients are at higher risk of mortality. This transition of care phase is a critical time period for clients to avoid relapse while navigating recovery challenges independently, and evidence supports standardized, intentional, client-centered discharge planning to improve transitional care outcomes.
SMART Aim: To create a sustainable, empowering, evidence-based, standardized discharge process that will be implemented at Samaritan Recovery Community in 90% of the intensive residential program discharges to home by December 2024.
Methods: Three Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles were implemented, and one educational workshop was held. In-person reminders and preparation for each discharge were held once a week for staff. Compliance rates were measured using direct observation and audits from a standardized discharge checklist given to staff. Nurses, providers, and staff were interviewed to help identify barriers to regular performance of the discharge process.
Outcomes: From week 1 to week 6, 56%-86% of clients received the standardized discharge process. After 2 PDSA cycles, in week 7, 100% of clients received the implemented standardized discharge process. 66.67% of staff reported this discharge process increased their workload.
Date
Spring 4-24-2025
First Advisor
Dr. Jennifer Sternberg
Second Advisor
Dr. Kathryn Dambrino
Scholarly Project Team Member
Dr. Jennifer Hicks
Scholarly Project Team Member
Galia Meira
Department
Nursing, School of
College
Health Sciences & Nursing, Gordon E. Inman College of
Document Type
Scholarly Project
Degree
Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Degree Level
Doctoral
Degree Grantor
Belmont University
Keywords
Substance Use Disorder; Quality Improvement; Evidence-Based Standardized Discharge Process
Recommended Citation
Love, Katelyn BSN, RN; Sternberg, Jennifer DNP, APRN, FNP-C; Dambrino, Kathryn DNP, APRN, FNP-C; and Phillippi, David Biostatistican, "Implementation of a Standardized Discharge Process at a Substance Use Disorder Inpatient Treatment Facility" (2025). DNP Scholarly Projects. 106.
https://repository.belmont.edu/dnpscholarlyprojects/106
