Incidence of Delayed Discharges in the Maternity Inpatient Unit in a Selected Hospital in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

This paper examined the incidence and influence of delayed discharges in maternity inpatient units within a private hospital in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, where efficiency and patient satisfaction are critical benchmarks of care. The purpose of the study is to identify the frequency, duration, and underlying causes of discharge delays, and to determine their relationship with contributory factors such as comorbidities and clinical issues. Anchored on Donabedian’s Model of Healthcare Quality and Systems Theory, the research employs a descriptive–correlational design, utilizing a structured questionnaire administered to 40 purposively selected healthcare professionals including nurses, midwives, and physicians. Findings reveal that delayed discharges are a recurring issue, most pronounced among patients requiring extended monitoring and those with maternal or neonatal complications, while administrative bottlenecks such as insurance clearance further exacerbate inefficiencies. Statistical analysis confirmed significant correlations between the incidence of delays and their contributory factors, underscoring the multifactorial nature of the problem. Limitations include the study’s confinement to a single hospital and reliance on respondents’ assessments, which may affect generalizability, though the results provide a foundation for future research in broader UAE contexts. Practical implications highlight the need for streamlined administrative processes, strengthened clinical protocols, and patient-centered discharge planning to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve maternal–neonatal outcomes. The originality of the paper lies in its provision of localized empirical evidence on maternity discharge delays in Dubai’s private healthcare sector, offering valuable insights for hospital administrators, policymakers, and practitioners seeking to align practices with international standards while addressing unique regional challenges.