In January, 2024, the Oakland Medica Center launched the Discharge Lounge to alleviate patient census by providing a safe and comfortable waiting area for patients ready for discharge. It is staffed by two RN’s and help to expedite the discharge process by retrieving medications, issuing clothing and assisting with transportation.
After the initial 48 days in operation, 340 patients met the criteria for the discharge lounge and 75% (254) of them successfully utilized the discharge lounge. The cycle time from discharge order to patient departure was reduced to 161 minutes and an average of 26 minutes/patient were saved. 17% of adult patient discharged to home utilized the discharge lounge.