DISCHARGE OF A PATIENT

REQUIREMENTS #

1. Admission and discharge documents (Manual and Electronic)
2. Patient’s medications
3. Receptacle for used linen
4. Container for disinfectant

STEPS #

1. Ensure that discharge papers are duly signed by discharging doctor
2. Inform patient and relatives about discharge and current state of health
3. Allay patients fear and anxiety on the impending discharge
4. Educate patient and relative(s) on need for continuing treatment and follow up care
5. Discuss the type of follow-up care that have been prescribed e.g. physio, wound dressing
6. Ensure that patient’s hospital bill is assessed
7. Let patient and relative know the cost of treatment and payment modalities
8. Collect medication for patient from hospital’s pharmacy where applicable
9. Explain how medication should be taken and stored and disposed off at home
10. Help patient to pack his/her belongings
11. Hand over any valuables in the nurse’s custody to the patient or relative(s) and records, witnessed and signed
12. Remove all I.V. access lines and other tubes or drainage
13. Remind patient and relative(s) of the review date, department to visit, follow-up appointments and stresses on its importance
14. Record all payment receipt numbers in admission and discharge book and hands over receipt to patient or relative
15. Documents in the admission and discharge book, daily ward state and nurses’ notes (manual or electronic)
16. Thank and bids them good-bye
17. Ensure linen are removed, decontaminate beds and its accessories
18. Make new bed for next patient