To promote best discharge practice in sedated patients′ following endoscopic procedures in an endoscopy center in Shanghai, China.

A clinical audit was undertaken using the Joanna Briggs Institute Practical Application of Clinical Evidence System tool. Eight audit criteria that were representative of best practice recommendations for discharge following endoscopic sedation procedures were used. A baseline audit was conducted followed by the implementation of multiple strategies, determined by the key stakeholders. The project was finalized with a follow-up audit to determine change in practice.

Improvements in practice were observed for all eight criteria. The most significant improvements were in the following: completion of an organizational policy, the minimum discharge criteria, patient has met minimum discharge criteria before being discharged (all from 0% to 100% compliance), and giving verbal and written instructions (from 12% to 100% compliance). Criteria 4 (the authority to discharge), 6 (staff training and education) and 7 (being accompanied by family) achieved the least improvement in compliance rates, as baseline measures already showed a high degree of compliance. The compliance rate for criterion 8 (medical file) attained 88%.

This protocol utilized a clinical audit process leading to improvements in practice behavior related to patient discharge following endoscopic sedation procedures. A continuous cycle of audit and re-audit will be required in the future to maintain high quality standards.

Patient Discharge; Evidence-Based Practice; Endoscopic sedation procedures