Who gets the bed: Factors influencing the intensive care exit block - A qualitative study

Patient flow problems, including discharge delay and after-hours discharge, have been a consistently major issue, especially for intensive care units (ICUs). Evidence suggests that discharge delay and after-hours discharge are associated with increased ICU and hospital length of stay, leading to worsened patient outcomes and increased healthcare costs. They can also increase ICU readmission and post-ICU mortality. The factors influencing discharge processes are not well elucidated.