Provide a process for scheduling the date and time that patients will be discharged one day in advance or on the day of discharge. In some units, particularly surgical units, the discharge can often be planned a day ahead of time. Although for some patients the date and time of discharge cannot be planned a day in advance, the hospital should still be able to coordinate the discharge. In most cases, orchestration of the discharge is left to chance, creating a chaotic situation. Having a planned discharge time helps everyone involved orchestrate their activities toward a common goal. Reaching the goal will most likely require centralized planning and scheduling.

To test this change, hospitals should start with a prearranged set of appointment times. Patients can then be placed in defined appointment "slots," based on unit resources, admission history, and discharge history, with input from nursing and other affected disciplines. Ideally, morning appointments should be used for patients identified for discharge the next day. Saving appointments later in the day for patients identified on the day of discharge allows for the time needed to orchestrate the discharge.