Discharge Planning Guidelines
Initiation of Discharge Planning
Discharge planning must be initiated early in the treatment process, preferably
within 24 hours of admission. The patient and involved family members should be
kept informed of all discharge plans.
Discharge Instruction Sheet
An easy to read and understandable discharge instruction sheet should be provided
to patients and families and to all individuals and organizations responsible for
providing continuing care. The following components should be addressed:
- All home-going medications, including new prescriptions, over-the-counter medications,
and medications to be discontinued
- Medication list should include each drug name, dose, frequency, and common side
effects
- Requisitions for ordered outpatient laboratory tests and other studies, with instructions
on how to obtain or schedule
- How to make lifestyle choices and changes regarding activity, exercise, dietary
recommendations and restrictions
- Self-care instructions (wound care, colostomy care, insulin administration, etc.)
- When and how to obtain further care or treatment after discharge with provider name,
time, date and location for each follow- up appointment
- What to do in case of an emergency and a number to call for clarification of discharge
instructions
- How to manage continuing care (scheduled home services, visiting nurse, aide, walker,
cane, oxygen, etc.) with the name and phone number of all agencies responsible for
providing services
The attending physician is responsible for sending a written summary of the patient's
evaluation and care to the primary care physician, medical/surgical specialists
and other relevant providers. The written summary is to be completed within 30 days
of patient discharge.