Effective Discharge Planning

Introduction

Research has indicated that effective discharge planning reduces patient readmission to hospital. By critically analysing the practice of discharge planning from the acute care sector, the factors which contribute to effective discharge planning can be identified. Furthermore, by employing these key factors, an evidence based discharge plan can be produced for a person suffering the effects of drug and/or alcohol abuse.

For many patients, getting ready to leave the hospital is one of the most critical aspects of their hospital stay. According to Moss, Flower & Houghton (2003), recent studies have shown that careful discharge planning, along with good follow up contact can significantly improve patients ' health upon discharge, while decreasing health care and social costs, and readmission rates. Referral to community based organisations as part of the discharge plan helps reduce the rate of functional decline and repeat presentation to hospital. Additionally, proper planning for departure from the hospital can make all the difference in patients ' long term prognosis - because it encourages them to get involved in managing their own care. Thus with discharge planning - patients can maintain a level of health and improve it.
The focus was on medication, symptom management, diet, activity, sleep, medical follow up, and the emotional status of patients and their care givers. By 24 weeks after discharge, only 20 percent of those following a discharge plan had been re-hospitalised, compared with 37 percent of those who did not. The intervention group also had fewer hospital days and about half the total health service costs as the control