Introducing a clinically effective allied health rapid discharge team within a complex aged subacute in-patient cohort on a cost recovery basis: the Supported Patient centred Early Discharge (SPeED) initiative.

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This case study reports the outcomes of an early supported discharge program. This model of care was trialled after Victoria introduced subacute weighted inlier equivalent separations funding to subacute in-patients in 2016. An allied health team (Supported Patient centred Early Discharge (SPeED)) managed patients suitable for assessment, intervention and early supported discharge (ESD). The SPeED cohort was compared to a matched historical control. Data included no advantage financially (NAF) days, length of stay (LOS), functional independence measure (FIM) scores and 30-day readmission rates. Staff and patient experiences were collected through surveys and call-back data. Regression analysis compared quantitative data, whereas a broad thematic approach compared qualitative data. There were no differences between the study cohort and historical control in age or sex (P>0.05). The SPeED cohort had lower median NAF days (F=-21.38; 95% confidence interval (CI) -37.70, -15.00; P<0.001), shorter LOS (F)=4.65; 95% CI -0.41, -0.02; P=0.034), fewer readmissions within 30 days (odds ratio 0.14; 95% CI -0.03, 0.68; P=0.014) and greater change in FIM scores during admission (F=4.20; 95% CI 0.16, 10.74; P=0.044). Staff morale was high in recognition of improved patient care. Patient satisfaction remained positive across the SPeED cohort and historical control group. The introduction of a dedicated allied health ESD team within a geriatric evaluation and management population is effective and enhances patient outcomes.