NHS Dumfries and Galloway case study: balancing capacity with demand

Implementing Change

The improvement team worked closely with the exemplar ward throughout the implementation process. Vicki Nicoll was named as Daily Dynamic Discharge ward champion and the team supported her to promote the introduction of the Daily Dynamic Discharge approach to colleagues. The improvement team led the Daily Dynamic Discharge huddle for the first few days, gradually handing over to the staff on the ward.

Figure 6a: Key Elements of the Daily Dynamic Discharge Approach

Figure 6b: An Example Dynamic Discharge Plan

The elements of the Daily Dynamic Discharge approach implemented by Dumfries and Galloway included the Daily Whiteboard Meeting, early Estimated Date of Discharge ( EDD) setting, Golden Hour Ward Rounds and Check Chase and Challenge using the Task Management Sheet.

The multidisciplinary team meeting took significantly less time after implementation - 45 minutes in total - and pharmacy reported that prescriptions were being written up in advance of discharge.