Component Task: Discharge of a Child from the Hospital

This is when a child is declared fit and authorized by the health care team/paediatrician to return home after completion of treatment/management at the hospital. Occasionally, the discharge is carried out upon caregiver or family’s request.

Aims

·         Continue with the care in the home setting

·         Transfer child to another unit or health facility for further management

·         Grant caregiver or family’s request to send child home

Requirements

·         Admission and discharge documents (Manual and Electronic)

·         Child’s medications

·         Receptacle for used linen

·         Container for disinfectant

·         Admission Education Checklist for specific condition

Steps

1.        Arrange for meeting with specialised health care assessment or review of child if prescribed by the paediatrician

2.      Ensure that discharge papers are duly signed by the Paediatrician

3.      Inform child, caregiver/ family about discharge and current state of health

4.      Allay child’s fear and anxiety on the impending discharge

5.      Prepare and teach child, caregiver/family on the appropriate checklist to be given especially for emergency, children with chronic conditions and those who are vulnerable

6.      Inform child, caregiver/family about activity limitations if any

7.       Let child, caregiver/family know when child can resume school and whether written permission will be given

8.      Educate child, caregiver/family on need for continuing treatment and follow up care

9.      Discuss the type of follow-up care that have been prescribed e.g. physiotherapy, wound dressing etc.

10.    Ensure that child’s hospital bill is assessed

11.      Inform caregiver/family about the cost of treatment and payment modalities

12.    Collect medication for child from hospital’s pharmacy where applicable

13.    Explain to caregiver/family how medication should be taken and stored and disposed off at home

14.    Help child, caregiver/family to pack his/her belongings

15.    Remove all I.V. access lines and other tubes or drainage

16.    Remind child, caregiver/family of the review date, department to visit, follow-up appointments and stress on its importance

17.    Record all payment receipt numbers in admission and discharge book and hand over receipt to caregiver/family

18.    Document in the admission and discharge book, daily ward state and nurses’ notes (manual or electronic)

19.    Congratulate child, caregiver/family and bid them good-bye

20.  Ensure linen are removed, decontaminate bed and its accessories

21.    Make new bed ready for admission


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