RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 In-depth analysis of delays to patient discharge: a metropolitan teaching hospital experience JF Clinical Medicine JO Clin Med FD Royal College of Physicians SP 320 OP 323 DO 10.7861/clinmedicine.12-4-320 VO 12 IS 4 A1 P Hendy A1 JH Patel A1 T Kordbacheh A1 N Laskar A1 M Harbord YR 2012 UL http://www.rcpjournals.org/content/12/4/320.abstract AB Delayed patient discharge will likely exacerbate bed shortages. This study prospectively determined the frequency, causes and potential cost implications of delays for 83 consecutive patients, who were inpatients for a total of 888 days. 65% of patients experienced delay whilst awaiting a service. 48% of patients experienced delays that extended their discharge date. Discharge delays accounted for 21% of the cohort's inpatient stay, at an estimated cost of £565 per patient; 77% of these hold-ups resulted from delays in the provision of social and therapy requirements. Discharge delays are costly for hospitals and depressing for patients. Investment is required to enable health and social-care professionals to work more closely to improve the patient journey.