Discharging a Patient From Healthcare Facility

Discharging a Patient From Healthcare Facility

Equipment:
■ Medical record.
■ Discharge form with patient instructions.
■ Supplies for ongoing treatments.
■ Patient’s medications, clothes, personal care articles, and other belongings.
■ Utility cart.
■ Wheelchair.

Assessment:
■ Make a final, brief focused assessment, including:
■ Mobility.
■ Emotional and physical distress.
■ Ability to communicate and understand.

Key Points:
Day or Two Days Before Discharge
■ Arrange for or confirm transportation, and services and equipment needed at home. Also make necessary referrals.
■ Teach patient/family about: patient’s condition and medications, and how to use necessary equipment.
■ Ask caregiver/family to bring clothing for patient to wear home.

Day of Discharge:
■ Perform and document final assessments.
■ Be Safe! Confirm that patient has house keys, heat is turned on, and food is available.
■ Make final notifications (e.g., transportation, community agencies).
■ Pack patient’s personal items and treatment supplies.
■ Be Safe! Label take-home medications before giving to the patient.
■ Provide prescriptions, instruction sheets, and appointment cards.
■ Be Safe! Review discharge instructions with patient/family especially regarding “high-risk” drugs such as anticoagulants, antibiotics, and sedatives.
■ Answer any questions.
■ Document final nursing note and complete the discharge summary.
■ Accompany the patient out of the institution.
■ Notify admissions department of the discharge.
■ Ensure records are sent to the medical records department.

Documentation:
■ Complete the admission database and nursing notes.