The hospital evolution to discharge planning automation.

An automated discharge planning system generates significant productivity benefits to hospitals committing to the process. It also allows full interactive communication to track patients at any level in the continuum of care. Not every hospital today is capable of operating in a network environment. In addition, many ECOs are not currently equipped to participate in the discharge planning process using personal computers. Capital investment costs present an obstacle to some providers contemplating participation in the process of interactive discharge patient information exchange through the continuum. Yet external pressures continue to mount for improved healthcare process productivity. As a result, both hospitals and extended care organizations seem likely to increasingly rely on automation of the discharge planning process in order to operate and compete effectively as the healthcare industry continues its evolution.