Get AHRQ Pub. 14(15)-0067-EF 2014-2024

Poor communication in a patient's discharge can result in post hospital adverse events, readmission, and mortality.

Premature discharge or discharge to an environment that is not capable of meeting the patient's medical needs may result in hospital readmission.

Comprehensive Discharge Planning Poor understanding by providers that the patient's social support is lacking. Lack of an emergency plan, including telephone number the patient should call first. Patient returns home without essential equipment (e.g., scale, supplemental oxygen).

If you and your family agree that you're ready to go home this afternoon, for instance, have your point person tell the nurse. That way, they know to move up any tests to today, rather than scheduling them for tomorrow. “After you ask, often the answer is 'I'd be happy to let you go home,” he adds.

Hospital discharge planning is a process that determines the kind of care you need after you leave the hospital. Discharge plans can help prevent future readmissions, and they should make your move from the hospital to your home or another facility as safe as possible.

Summary of types of discharge. Full discharge of unrestricted patient. Deferred discharge of unrestricted patient.

When you leave a hospital after treatment, you go through a process called hospital discharge. A hospital will discharge you when you no longer need to receive inpatient care and can go home. Or, a hospital will discharge you to send you to another type of facility or help you coordinate home care.

Patients who do not have enough information about their discharge plans have decreased treatment compliance, decreased patient safety, increased emergency department (ED) recidivism, and poor satisfaction.