What is e-Discharge?

e-Discharge is a unique web-based, integrated clinical database and discharge document production system. Developed initially for Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, the system replaces manual methods of producing discharge letters and allows data input at any stage of the patients’ journey through a ward, not just on discharge. It manages the drug dispensation workflow and enables thorough checks to be performed at key stages to comply with drug dispensing legal requirements. A full audit trail of drugs prescribed and dispensed is also recorded.

For every in-patient stay, an e-Discharge summary is produced which automatically includes clinical information about this episode of care and forms part of the patient’s electronic medical record. The system provides GPs and other community carers with an accurate summary of a patients’ information on the day of discharge. Information is presented in a standardised format for use by future carers in the Trust on subsequent clinic visits and admissions.

e-Discharge Features

• Creates and manages process of patient discharge efficiently and effectively
• Manages pharmacy & drug dispensation process
• Fully integrated with PAS & document management systems
• Easy-to-use, flexible, configurable and secure
• Web-based system so no deployment issues
• Standardises patient information
• Supports drug types e.g. Warfarin, Methotrexate
• Provides various reports and auditable data
• Provides historical view of patient admission
• Improved audit trail: date and time
• Patient centric views
• Multitude of Standard Reports

e-Discharge is designed to:

• improve clinical care
• improve the patient experience
• reduce discharge times
• improve the quality of the information given to GPs
• increase the quality of patient information captured

Technology
e-Discharge is written using Microsoft .NET technologies with a SQL Server database for extensibility and ease of maintenance. The system can be easily integrated with other current software and document management systems and has been designed using standard web-based browser technology so it is easy to deploy. e-Discharge provides information quickly, easily and securely.

Services
Beacon provides e-Discharge as a core standard system with the following services:

• Customisation
• Options: Functionality Modules
• Interfaces/Systems Integration
• Deployment and Project Management
• Training
• Support and Maintenance

e-Discharge Functionality

• Template & specialty driven data capture process
• Configurable to suit various departments needs
• Customisable pick lists by user
• Home leave support including retrieval of drug requests
• User roles based security
• Patient Lists by Consultant and Ward
• Supports multiple admissions by Discharge Copy process
• Reporting

Discharge Summary Screenshot

What are the Benefits?

For patients and the public

• Reduced discharge times
• Faster admissions for future visits & out-patients
• Increased safety as drug transcribing errors will be reduced
• Increased confidence

For care professionals and clerical staff

• Improved quality of patient information
• No need to use manual methods for producing discharge letters - process is more accurate, efficient and effective
• Replaces a variety of time-consuming, handwritten processes - information is legible and person who has input data to the patient’s record is visible
• Easier access to up-to-date information, 24 hours a day, seven days a week - enables efficient diagnosis, referral and treatment
• Ability to access the records in more than one place at one time
• Better and easier communications between care providers
• Knowing which care providers and clinicians have been involved in treating a patient
• Reduced administration and less duplication of data entries
• Information is immediately available for any future admissions
• Provides essential information as part of any follow-up visits to out-patients
• Facilitates clinical audits by storing easily accessible data in electronic format

For the NHS

• Improved availability of information and in standardised format
• More efficient delivery of safe, high quality care
• Cost and time savings from cutting down on filing and storing of paper files
• Better quality information for planning, audits, research, and performance management
• Influences Payment By Results

For GPs and community carers

• Provides information to GPs and community carers in the form of a succinct e-discharge summary
• Information can be accessed electronically in their surgeries or clinics
• Detailed, legible and accurate information ensures GPs and carers are able to provide patients with continuing care in the community