Author:
Parry Mark,Woodthorpe Nicholas,Gunawardena Priyanthi
Abstract
Aims and methodWe retrospectively audited premature discharges of in-patients undergoing alcohol or opioid detoxification. Recommendations for good practice aimed at reducing premature discharge rates were implemented, following which a prospective audit was completed.ResultsThe retrospective phase of the audit cycle showed a premature discharge rate of 30.8%, compared with a rate of 13.2% for the prospective phase. The difference in these rates is both clinically and statistically significant at the 5% level, with Fisher's exact test producing a two-sided P = 0.0119.Clinical implicationsImplementing good practice guidelines improved outcomes, with more patients successfully completing detoxifications and a more effective use of resources.
Publisher
Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Subject
Psychiatry and Mental health
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