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Discharge Planning Timeline Calculator

Work out discharge planning timeline instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.

About Discharge Planning Timeline Calculator

Works backwards from the expected discharge date through the lead times for arrangements and referrals to give the day planning must start.

Formula

Backward planning

Planning start day = expected length of stay - (arrangement lead time + referral lead time), never earlier than day 1

Worked example

With the default values below, Discharge Planning Timeline Calculator returns Start discharge planning on day of 2.0. Change any input above and every figure here is recalculated in your browser.

Inputs used

Expected length of stayaccepts 1–60 days
5 days
Lead time for discharge arrangementsaccepts 0–20 days
2 days
Lead time for external referralsaccepts 0–20 days
1 days

Results

Start discharge planning on day
2.0
Total lead time needed
3.0 days
Expected discharge day
5.0
Buffer before planning must begin
1.0 days

Step by step

  1. 1Values used
  2. 2Backward planning
  3. 3Start discharge planning on day= 2.0
  4. 4Total lead time needed= 3.0 days
  5. 5Expected discharge day= 5.0
  6. 6Buffer before planning must begin= 1.0 days

Assumptions and limits

  • The result is derived only from the 3 inputs listed above. Anything not among them is not part of the calculation.
  • In particular, this calculator does not take inflation, tax or compounding frequency into account.
  • Figures are rounded for display to 1 decimal place, so totals built from several rounded parts can differ slightly from the unrounded arithmetic.
  • Educational estimate only. Not a substitute for professional clinical judgement, and must not be used to make treatment or dosing decisions.

How these calculators are built and tested is described on the Methodology page. If a figure looks wrong, please report it.

Educational estimate only. Not a substitute for professional clinical judgement, and must not be used to make treatment or dosing decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why plan from admission?

Estimated discharge dates set on admission reduce delayed discharges, which is why they are a standard flow metric.

What causes most delays?

Waits for social care packages, community equipment and transport rather than clinical readiness.

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