UPMC’s discharge changes close care gaps

University of Pittsburgh Medical Center consolidated its discharge process under one clinical care coordinator. The changes eliminated redundant processes and cut three to four hours off patient discharge times, while boosting patient satisfaction scores by almost 10%. UPMC next plans to “build better bridges” through improved data sharing with its network of skilled nursing facilities, rehab facilities and other sites included in the patient’s journey to improve transitions, according to AONL member Tami Minnier, MSN, RN, UPMC’s senior vice president of health services and chief quality and operational excellence officer. She also wants to strengthen communications with health plans, outpatient clinics and other resources, including transportation services, behavioral health providers and social services. (HealthLeaders Media article, 5/23/23)