1. Moving Forward: Kingston Centre Length of Stay Project
Gracie Marzovilla &
Michael Splawa-Neyman
Social Work Department Melbourne Australia

2. Background: The project was conducted during September 2014
The focus was on four patients with complex issues
The aim: To explore and identify issues regarding long stay patients at the Kingston Centre that could assist in early identification and effective management

3. Research question:
What factors can be identified that can increase the likelihood of an extended stay?

4. Data Sources/Method: File analysis and data mining on four patients
Direct observation of case conferences, daily huddle meetings, team communication, decision- making and documentation.
Review of Social Work data available
Discussions with members of the multidisciplinary team
Benchmarking with similar facilities

5. Data Mining Results: Frequent changes of staff Complex medical issues
Unrealistic patient expectations
Unrealistic family expectations

6. Complex Medical Issues
Complexities:
Categories identified as adding complexity to discharge planning:
Cognition
Social Issues
Under 65
Patient
Psychological Issues
Family/
Carers
Complex Medical Issues

7. Communication Processes
Key findings:
Team Collaboration
Escalation Processes
Communication Processes
Ward Leadership Teams

8. Key findings:
Areas identified that if improved could have a positive impact on average length of stay are:
Staffing
Communication
Leadership
Documentation
Operations

10. Recommendations: Use of Matrix Education of staff:
- application of current processes
- chairing case conferences
- effective documentation practices
- for Ward Leadership teams to be champions of best practice
Escalation to specialist ‘complex team’
Application of ‘patient centred 'practice

11. Matrix Implementation: 10 patients Escalation User friendly
Documentation
Escalation

12. Conclusion/Future direction:
Larger sample size
Evaluation of criteria
Evaluation in 6 months time
Prepare article for publication
Thank you
Any Questions?