Hospital to Home

Discharge planning is the process of identifying the type of care a patient needs after leaving the hospital.

Key elements of a discharge plan include:

• Patient Evaluation: Qualified personnel, such as a physician and discharge nurse, conduct the patient evaluation.
• Inclusive Planning: This step actively involves the patient or their representative, allowing them to make decisions about care options and discuss potential outcomes. This also ensures their needs and preferences are fully addressed.
• Medication Reconciliation: This includes reviewing and comparing medications before and after hospitalization to prevent harmful interactions, such as combining prescriptions that could lead to adverse reactions or overdosing.
• Transition Planning: This step prepares the patient for a return home or transfer to another care facility.
• Referrals and Support: Hospital personnel connect with home care agencies and community support organizations to arrange necessary services, including home health care, medical equipment provision, and access to community resources.
• Follow-Up Coordination: This involves arranging necessary appointments and tests after the patient’s discharge. It ensures continuity of care by scheduling follow-up visits with healthcare providers, organizing required diagnostic tests, and coordinating with specialists to address ongoing treatment needs.