DISCHARGING

METHODS
M- Medications y E- Environment y T- Treatment y H- Health teaching y O- Outpatient referral y D- Diet y S- Spirituality
y

A.THE PROCEDURE FOR DISCHARGING

y Always

check with the nursing supervisor to be sure the patient has officially been discharged by the doctor.

 On the day the patient is to be discharged: Check when the patient will be leaving Set up a schedule for the patient's care so that the patient does not become too tired.  Allow for a rest period between the bath and packing

y Make

sure the patient is ready when family members arrive y As you help the patient with her/his care, make sure the instructions are understood about home care and follow-up visits. y Have the nurse answer any questions the patient has.

y Ask

a family member to check with the business office this person will be given a release paper stating financial matters for the patient have been taken care of and the patient is ready for discharge.

y Help

the patient into a wheelchair, and wheel him/her to the entrance of the healthcare facility nearest the car. y Chart the Patients Discharge

The following information should be charted : The

date and time the patient was discharged. The way the patient left the healthcare facility.  Any special instructions, diet, or medications the patient is to continue after discharge.

REFERRAL SYSTEM
is a systematic problem approach that helps clients to use resources that meet their health care needs. y -it also involves knowledge of community resources and an ability to solve, problems, set priorities, coordinate, and collaborate.
y-

Home care referrals are often made for:

y Elders

with complex conditions y Frail person who live alone y Those who have lack or have a limited support system y Those who have a care giver whose health is failing y Those whose home presents barriers to their safety
y Children

Components of referral system

y Health

System y Initiating facility y Referral practicalities y Receiving Facility y Supervision and capacity building

DISCHARGE PLANNING: HOME ASSESSMENT PARAMETERS

and health data y Abilities to perform activities of daily living y Disabilities/limitations y Caregivers responses/abilities
y Personal

yFinancial

resources yCommunity supports yHome hazard appraisal yNeed for health care assistance

TIPS ON HOW TO MAKE EFFECTIVE DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS

Provide

a hospitable learning environment Help your patients decide who should be involved in the learning process. Establish a baseline of knowledge.

Ask

your client what they think they need to know. What do they need to know to go home safely? Are there any cultural, religious or beliefs and practices Assess a patients motivation prior to embarking on a teaching plan. Establish special needs of your patient.

Leave your judgments at the door.  Be open to conversation when caring for your patient.  Break up the time you spend educating  Adults speed of learning changes over time.


Utilize your resources.  Evaluate the success of your teaching.  Be sure to document your teaching properly


FIN