An overview of patient cases which have problems with discharge from Mater Dei Hospital

Abstract

Patients which have problems for discharge can be commonly found within the confines of Mater Dei Hospital. These patients pose a considerable burden both economically as well as in terms of opportunity cost. The management of these patients is complex and multifaceted. All patient cases residing within the medical wards and had issues preventing discharge from hospital during the months of August and September 2016 were analysed so as to identify common factors between cases. Most patients were between 81-90 years old, female and partially dependent in their Activities of Daily Living. 94% of these cases presented as emergency cases. Interestingly, 52% of all cases were started on psychiatric medication whilst awaiting long term care. The most popular drug which was started in this instance was Haloperidol (Serenace) 0.5mg. Majority of patients and their relatives were unaware of the available supporting services. Hence from this we can recommend that better marketing of available domiciliary services could decrease the problem and more education on psychiatric problems of the elderly especially in institutionalizations would be of benefit.