Component Task: Discharge of a Patient

This is when a patient is authorized to leave the ward after the completion of the treatment. This is granted when the doctor/physician deems patient fit to return home or to his/her community. Occasionally, the discharge is carried out upon patient’s own request. It is important that patient and relatives have pre-knowledge of the discharge.

Aims

·         Continue with the care in the home setting

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

·         Grant patient/relatives request to go home

Requirements

·         Admission and discharge documents (Manual and Electronic)

·         Patient’s medications

·         Receptacle for used linen

·         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