Date

Summer 2024

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Department

College of Nursing

First Advisor

Phyllis Raynor

Abstract

Problem Statement: Insufficient discharge planning at the time of patient admission can result in increased hospitalization length of stay and poor clinical outcomes, including a rapid deterioration of stabilized patients’ mental status while unnecessarily waiting for discharge arrangements to be put in place at the time of discharge. Purpose: To determine if completing the Blaylock Risk Assessment Screening Score (BRASS) index tool to identify barriers to discharge at the time of patient admission impacts the length of stay for patients admitted to general psychiatric inpatient units. Methods: Patient admission and discharge data collected using the BRASS index within 48 hours of admission and before discharge to identify pertinent risk factors (guided by a score of 10 and above) that may require complex discharge planning to be initiated at the time of admission. Inclusion Criteria: All adult inpatients 18 years or older admitted to Holly Hill Hospital's inpatient psychiatric units. Analysis: An evaluation and comparison of the BRASS index was used to measure inpatient length of stay before and after BRASS implementation. Implication for Practice: Adequate discharge planning will improve continuity of care and accessibility to acutely ill patients in need of services, decrease organizational revenue lost, and limit the amount of extended hospital stays related to discharge barriers for psychiatric inpatients in acute care hospital settings.

Rights

© 2024, Princess P. Minter

Included in

Nursing Commons

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