A call for implementation of an evidence-based, quality improvement, decompensated cirrhosis discharge care bundle in Australia

Abstract

A growing body of research suggests that evidence-based interventions can tackle high rates of hospital readmissions among patients with decompensated cirrhosis. Care bundles are a prime example of an evidence-based intervention to reduce hospital readmissions through documentation and communication. In this pilot study, a comprehensive baseline audit of electronic medical records of 497 discharges for 175 patients was conducted to assess the current standards of care on discharge from Blacktown Hospital, Australia, and the scope for introducing a care bundle. Our results demonstrated suboptimal discharge communication in a number of areas: Only 54% of decompensated cirrhosis patients had a follow-up appointment pre-scheduled at discharge. Despite alcohol being identified as a key cause of cirrhosis in 60% of patients, a review by alcohol services was conducted on only 24.9% of patients. Moreover, a general lack of focus on patient education and health literacy was identified. In conclusion, our pilot study has highlighted areas for improvement in the standard of care provided to this cohort of patients. Implementation of a standardized care bundle could address the current shortfalls, improve the standard of care and refocus discharge planning to address health literacy and education in patients admitted with a decompensated liver.