Integrating Admission and Discharge Services: Evaluation Results,Challenges and Directions

Abstract

This article documents an evaluation of a health district organizational change aimed at improving admission and discharge services. To this end, diverse staff from across the continuum of care were integrated and focused on facilitating, evaluating and coordinating timely and appropriate service access. Quantitative and qualitative methods were used to examine the impact of the change on stakeholders. Results revealed improvements in admission and discharge over a short period, but also illustrated challenges faced during implementation and areas for program development.