The clinical and non-clinical factors influencing discharge decisions in dermatology: is there a need for discharge strategy? [Abstract]

The most critical clinical decision considered at the end of most consultations is whether or not to discharge. In secondary care settings many specialist services, such as dermatology, are delivered through outpatient services; where resources are finite, and clinician’s time is split between new referrals and follow-up patients. Time available to see new referrals depends on the number and frequency of follow-up patient visits. In many clinical services waiting time for newly referred patients could be dramatically shortened if the number of patients being followed up was reduced. Aim was to identify the clinical and non-clinical factors influencing decisions to discharge dermatology outpatients