What it means
Discharge planning begins at admission. It covers teaching about drugs, diet, activity and warning signs, arranging equipment, home health or rehabilitation, follow-up appointments and community resourcekuh-MYOO-nih-tee REE-sorsA service or program outside the hospital that helps people with health or daily needs.Full entry s. Good planning lowers the chance the client returns to the hospital.
For the nurse
Use teach-back to check understanding, include the caregiver, and make sure the client knows whom to call and when.
At a glance
| Also written | discharge plan, discharge plans |
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Related terms
referral
Sending a client to another professional, service or agency for care or help that they need.
plan of care
A written plan that lists a client's problems, goals and the nursing actions to reach them.
caregiver
A person who looks after someone who needs help, such as a family member, friend or paid helper.
community resource
A service or program outside the hospital that helps people with health or daily needs.