Criteria-led discharge: Emergency Department information sheet
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Introduction
An overview of the criteria-led discharge process from The Children's Hospital at Westmead Emergency Department (ED).
This information sheet is for educational purposes only. Please talk to your doctor or senior nurse for further information about the topic.
What is criteria-led discharge?
Criteria-led discharge is a process that ensures your child鈥檚 discharge from the Emergency Department (ED) occurs as soon as they are medically ready.
Criteria-led discharge has many benefits, including:
- Your child spends less time in the ED because decisions about their discharge are made earlier in their stay
- There is a clear outline of what is required before your child is discharged.
What does Criteria-led discharge involve?
Your child will have a set of criteria to meet which might include a range of medical criteria such as having a normal temperature or not needing a drip.
These criteria will be documented in your child鈥檚 medical record.
The healthcare team will work with you and your child to meet these criteria so that your child can leave the ED as quickly and safely as possible.
How will you know if your child has met the criteria?
A senior nurse will confirm that your child has met all of the agreed criteria.
If there are no outstanding issues, your child will be able to leave the ED without seeing your doctor for a final time. If there are any concerns, the doctor will be contacted to review your child before you go home.
Does this mean your child will not see a doctor at all?
No. A doctor will continue to see your child throughout their ED stay.
Criteria-led discharge means your child has a set of criteria to meet before being discharged. These decisions have been led by the senior doctor.
A senior nurse will monitor these to ensure that they have been met. Your child will not be discharged before their criteria have been met.
BEFORE you leave the hospital, please make sure you:
- Understand your child鈥檚 care plan for you to manage at home (e.g. medications, follow-up care and appointments)
- Ask about medical certificates, letters and return of private x-rays
- Ask your doctor about any GP or specialist medical follow-up requirements
The four鈥搒tep process
Talk with your child鈥檚 doctor
Your doctor will explain the criteria-led discharge process to you.
Develop criteria
There will be criteria your child will need to meet in order to leave the ED.
Progress monitored
A senior nurse monitors that the agreed criteria have been met.
Discharge
Once all criteria have been met, you will be able to leave the ED without delay.