Patient discharge

objective By the end of this lecture you will be able to : Explain the ideal process of patient discharge.

Formal discharge Patient who meet of the flowing criteria need formal discharge plan and referral to another agency : -Lack of knowledge of the treatment plan. -Social isolation.

Con.. -Recently diagnosed chronic disease. -Major surgery. -Emotional or mental instability. -Complex home care regimen. -Financial difficulties. -Terminal illness.

Con.. -Prolonged recuperation from major surgery or illness.

When you are planning for a patients discharge home, your responsibilities are similar to those in transfer to another unit and include the following : 1- obtaining order for discharge 2- planning for continuity of care 3- teaching the patient 4- performing a final assessment

5-caring for personal property 6- performing business functions 7- Providing home healthcare referrals 8- documentation

obtaining order for discharge An order is needed for patient to be discharged. Although the nurse begins planning for the pts discharge as early as admission, if you have been told verbally that pt is to be discharge but the Oder has not yet been written, you may sometimes complete such tasks as ordering take home

Medications and making patient assessment before the actual discharge order is written.

planning for continuity of care and setting goals with patient Your nursing responsibility does not end when the pts leaves the area in which you work.you are responsible to see that plans are made for continuing care as needed.

Con… - Set the realistic goals and involved the patient in establishing it to met expected outcomes of plan of care. - encourage pts to call the unit after discharge if they have any concerns.

teaching the patient Explain what will happen and when it will happen. The pt may need information about medications, treatments, activity, diet, and continued heath supervision. form detailing home care instructions may be given to pt being discharge.

Preparing a final assessment Before a pt leaves your unit, you must prepare a final assessment ( assessing the limitations and strengths of the patient, family or support person and the environment and community resources).

Con.. Include the pts physical status, psychosocial status, and ability to continue or participate in care.

Caring for personal property Be sure that all personal belongings accompany the patient especially critical are dentures, glasses, and special appliances such as crutches.

Performing business functions Before a pt leaves healthcare facility, it is customary for either the pt or the family to consult with the business office regarding financial matters.

Providing home healthcare referrals For home healthcare visits to be reimbursed, the physician must write an order for all services and the patient must meet the eligibility criteria.

Documentation Document your plans for continuity of care, pt teaching, final assessment, disposition of personal items, and completion of business functions.

Evaluating discharge planning effectiveness My be carried out way of telephone call or home visit or …,To ensure the quality and appropriateness of services.