What does the acronym "ADT" refer to in healthcare settings?

In healthcare settings, the acronym "ADT" stands for Admission, Discharge, and Transfer. This terminology is critical for tracking patient flow within a healthcare facility.

When patients are admitted, their essential details are recorded to ensure they receive appropriate care. The discharge aspect outlines the process by which patients are released from care, including any relevant instructions for follow-up or ongoing support. The transfer component comes into play when patients move from one department or care setting to another, ensuring continuity of care and proper communication among different healthcare providers.

This combination is vital for maintaining comprehensive patient records and ensuring efficient operations in healthcare facilities. By tracking admissions, discharges, and transfers, healthcare providers can improve resource allocation, patient safety, and overall quality of care. Understanding the ADT process helps patient access specialists navigate through patient management systems effectively.