Implementation of a Standardized Discharge Process at a Substance Use Disorder Inpatient Treatment Facility
Publication Date
2025
Presentation Length
Poster/Gallery presentation
College
Gordon E. Inman College of Nursing
Department
Nursing, School of
Student Level
Graduate
SPARK Category
Research
Faculty Advisor
Jennifer Sternberg, DNP, APRN, FNP-C
WELL Core Type
Service Wellness
SPARK Session
April 16th 10:15-11:45
Presentation Type
Poster
Summary
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. Overall, the newly implemented discharge process at Samaritan Recovery Community has reignited the community's commitment to enhancing the discharge process, leading to future improvements to come to better support clients.
Recommended Citation
Love, Katelyn BSN, RN; Dambrino, Kathryn , DNP, APRN, FNP-C; Sternberg, Jennifer DNP, APRN, FNP-C; and Phillippi, David PhD, Biostatistician, "Implementation of a Standardized Discharge Process at a Substance Use Disorder Inpatient Treatment Facility" (2025). SPARK Symposium Presentations. 244.
https://repository.belmont.edu/spark_presentations/244
