Jun 23, 2023
Patient Empowerment Hospital Discharge Checklist
Helping you ask the right questions on discharge
1. Health and recovery questions
What has happened to me in hospital…?
Medication changes and my medication list now…?
Who will be following me up and when…?
Do I need extra tests and investigations once discharged & who is organising these and when…?
What should I be doing on discharge to promote recovery…?
2. Safety netting advice
What should I look out for and in what time frame…?
Who I should call and their contact details…?
Teams are involved in my ongoing care once discharged…?
3. Paperwork
Has a letter detailing this information been sent to my GP and do I have a copy of it…?
Has any important paperwork been filled out while I have been in hospital about future care wishes such as a RESPECT form…?
4. Your own concerns regarding discharge
I am concerned about…
How can you help me with my concerns…?
Empowering Patients: Hospital Discharge Checklist
Jun 21, 2023
Importance of a Hospital Discharge Checklist===
Hospital discharge can be a stressful and confusing time for patients and their families, as they navigate the transition from hospital care to home care. Discharge instructions can be lengthy and complex, and patients may not remember everything they were told. This is where a hospital discharge checklist comes in, as it empowers patients by providing a clear and concise list of tasks to complete before leaving the hospital.
A hospital discharge checklist is a tool that can help patients take control of their own care, and ensure that they have all the information and resources they need to continue their recovery at home. By providing patients with a checklist, hospitals can reduce the risk of readmissions and improve patient outcomes, while also enhancing patient satisfaction.
Empowering Patients: What Should be Included in a Hospital Discharge Checklist
There are several key items that should be included in a hospital discharge checklist to empower patients and facilitate a smooth transition from hospital care to home care. These include:
Check Medication Changes
Patients should be provided with a list of all the medications they are taking, along with instructions on how and when to take them. This should include information on any potential side effects, interactions, or warnings, as well as a plan for refilling prescriptions.
Check Follow-up Appointments
Patients should be given a list of any follow-up appointments they need to make, along with the contact information for the providers they will be seeing. This should include any tests or procedures that need to be scheduled, as well as any special instructions for preparing for these appointments.
Check Home Care Instructions and safety netting advice
Patients should be given clear and concise instructions on how to care for themselves at home, including any exercises or physical therapy they need to do, any special dietary restrictions, and any equipment or supplies they need to have on hand. This should also include information on warning signs to watch for, and when to seek medical attention if necessary.
Conclusion
A hospital discharge checklist can be a powerful tool for empowering patients and improving the quality of care they receive. By providing patients with clear and concise instructions, hospitals can reduce the risk of readmissions and enhance patient outcomes, while also improving patient satisfaction. By including medication management, follow-up appointments, and home care instructions, hospitals can ensure that patients have all the information and resources they need to continue their recovery at home.
Click below for the checklist
Healthacate’s Patient Empowerment 4 Stage Hospital Discharge Checklist
External links:
Discharge from hospital: What support will I get | Age UK
Related Healthacate® Articles:
HR should prioritise employee well-being for those who care for ageing parents
Jun 6, 2023
Around 64% of employees identify as formal or informal caretakers for their ageing parents. Sixty-four percent of these carers said that caring responsibilities had a detrimental influence on their mental health and, as a result, their work performance.
The United Kingdom is undergoing a demographic change, with more individuals living longer lives. One in every seven persons will be above the age of 75 by 2040. As individuals get older, they become more reliant on others, which poses new issues.
HR should prioritise assisting workers who care for their ageing parents. Many of these caretakers are between the ages of 40 and 60, are in their prime working years, and have significant skills. If we do not help these caretakers, we risk losing productivity and competent people.
To learn more about this issue, see my guest blog article for HR Hero “How to Support Employees Caring for Elderly Parents – Is This the Key to Staff Retention?” by clicking the link below.
How to support staff who are caring for elderly parents (thehrhero.co.uk)
