Discharged

Discharged refers to the process in which a patient is officially released from a healthcare facility, such as a hospital, after a period of treatment or observation. This process involves a series of steps to ensure the patient's health and safety after leaving the facility.

Overview

The discharge process typically begins when a healthcare provider determines that the patient has recovered or stabilized enough to continue their recovery at home or at another facility. The provider will then write a discharge order, which includes instructions for the patient's care after leaving the facility.

Discharge Planning

Discharge planning is a critical part of the discharge process. It involves preparing the patient for their transition out of the healthcare facility and ensuring they have the necessary resources and support to continue their recovery. This may include arranging for home healthcare services, scheduling follow-up appointments, and providing education on medication management and self-care.

Discharge Summary

A discharge summary is a document that provides a comprehensive overview of the patient's hospital stay, including their diagnosis, treatment, and discharge instructions. This document is typically shared with the patient's primary care provider to ensure continuity of care.

Patient Education

Patient education is a key component of the discharge process. This involves teaching the patient about their condition, their treatment, and how to care for themselves after leaving the hospital. This education may be provided by a variety of healthcare professionals, including nurses, pharmacists, and physical therapists.

Discharge Checklist

A discharge checklist is a tool used by healthcare providers to ensure all necessary steps have been taken before the patient is discharged. This may include confirming that the patient understands their discharge instructions, that they have a safe place to go, and that they have the necessary medications and supplies.

See Also

• Hospital
• Healthcare provider
• Patient safety
• Continuity of care

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