A systematic literature review on tackling delayed discharges in acute hospitals inclusive of hospital (Re) admission avoidance

The National Clinical Strategy and Programmes was established by the Health Service Executive (HSE) to improve and standardise patient care throughout the organisation by bringing together clinical disciplines and enabling them to share innovative solutions to deliver greater benefits to every user of HSE services. The directorate has established a number of National Clinical Programmes. The Programmes are based on three main objectives:  To improve the quality of care delivered to all users of HSE services  To improve access to all services  To improve cost effectiveness. This desk-based research review was commissioned by The Health Service Executive to inform the integrated programme for patient flow with a particular focus on Delayed Discharges in the Acute Hospital system.