Retrospective analysis of nearly 88,000 hospital discharges at an urban Maryland academic hospital revealed that longer time to discharge summary completion was associated with an increase in 30-day, all-cause readmissions. More specifically, for every three days beyond day of discharge taken to complete the summary, the rate of readmission increased by one percent.

Abstract is free. An NEJM Journal Watch Summary, including a practice implications comment, can be found here.

The Joint Commission Standards for hospital discharge documentation require:

1. Reason for hospitalization.
2. Significant findings.
3. Procedures and treatment provided.
4. Patient’s discharge condition.
5. Patient and family instructions (as appropriate).
6. Attending physician’s signature.