[Delayed discharge from the intensive care unit].

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Delayed discharge from ICU to the general ward can exert an adverse effect. We researched whether patients are discharged smoothly from our ICU to the general ward. METHODS: We defined that patients were eligible for discharge if they are without administration of catecholamine, being assisted by mechanical ventilation and having blood purification therapy. RESULTS: Average time from actual discharge to the time patient was considered eligible for discharge was fifteen hours. This study was retrospective. CONCLUSIONS: We need to investigate further the reasons why delayed discharge occurred. It is im portant that patients are discharged from the ICU to the general ward properly. Delayed discharge can delay the recovery and expose the patient to multi-resistant microorganisms. We studied whether patients are discharged smoothly from the ICU to the general ward.