Discharge planning (or transfer of care) for example, beginning process early, individualised and/or involving MDT (within 48 hours of admission or if not defined in studies, reported as ‘early planning’; reporting that a ‘plan was in place’).

In the UK – delayed transfer of care incorporates the community and social care aspects of the discharge process – must be medically fit (ready) for discharge. Introduction of process on top of usual discharge practice.

• Readmission up to 30 days (IMPORTANT)
• Mortality (CRITICAL)
• Avoidable adverse events (CRITICAL)
• Quality of life (CRITICAL)
• Patient and carer or family satisfaction (CRITICAL)
• Length of stay (CRITICAL)
• Delayed transfers of care (IMPORTANT)
• Staff satisfaction (IMPORTANT)