Sit with the patient and their caregiver to review the discharge instructions. Cover each medication: name, purpose, dosage, frequency, and potential side effects. Use teach-back method: ask the patient to explain the instructions in their own words to confirm understanding.
Explain warning signs that require immediate medical attention. Provide written instructions in the patient's preferred language. Demonstrate any home care procedures such as wound care, injection technique, or use of medical devices. Document that education was provided and understood.
Schedule all required follow-up appointments before the patient leaves. This includes the primary care physician visit (typically within 7 days), specialist visits, and any scheduled diagnostic tests. Provide the patient with appointment dates, times, locations, and provider names in writing.
If appointments cannot be confirmed before discharge, document the specific follow-ups needed and assign a care coordinator to complete scheduling within 24 hours. Give the patient the coordinator's direct phone number for reference.
If the patient requires post-discharge services such as home health nursing, physical therapy, or medical equipment delivery, verify that all referrals have been submitted and authorized by insurance. Confirm the home care agency has received the orders and has scheduled the initial visit.
Document the home care plan including the service type, frequency, expected duration, and the agency's contact information. Provide this information to the patient and confirm they understand when to expect the first home visit.
Verify that the patient's insurance information is current in the system and that all services provided during the stay have been documented for billing. Ensure the discharge diagnosis codes are accurate and match the clinical documentation.
If the patient has financial concerns, connect them with the facility's financial counselor before discharge. Document any payment plans, charity care applications, or insurance authorization issues that need follow-up.
Perform a final set of vital signs and a brief clinical assessment within 2 hours of discharge. Compare results against the patient's baseline and discharge criteria. Document the assessment findings and confirm the patient is stable for discharge.
Remove any remaining IV lines, catheters, or monitoring equipment. Verify all personal belongings are accounted for using the admission inventory checklist. Return any valuables stored in the facility safe.
Have the patient or their authorized representative sign the discharge form, acknowledging receipt of discharge instructions, medications, and follow-up information. Provide the patient with copies of the discharge summary, medication list, and follow-up appointment schedule.
Send the discharge summary electronically to the patient's primary care physician and any follow-up specialists. File all signed documents in the patient's chart. Ensure a copy of the discharge paperwork is available in the patient portal.
Confirm the patient's transportation is arranged and available. Assist the patient to the designated pickup area via wheelchair per facility policy. Do not leave the patient unattended in the pickup area.
After the patient has departed, notify housekeeping for room turnover. Update the bed management system to reflect the discharge. Complete the discharge documentation in the EHR, including the exact time the patient left the facility and the mode of transportation used.