Component Task: Discharge Planning of a Child

These are activities organized during the hospitalization phase of the care of a child towards his/her return to the home or community to maintain his/her health status and prevent further ill-health. Discharge planning is initiated on the day of admission and co-ordinated by the entire health team.

Aims

·         Support continuity of child care within the community or home setting

·         Reduce length of stay in the hospital

·         Reduce/prevent re-admission for the same condition

·         Help child, caregiver/family to plan for the intended discharge

Requirements

·         Child’s folder

·         Treatment chart (manual or electronic)

Steps

1.        Establish rapport with child, caregiver and family (Refer to steps)

2.      Prepare child, caregiver/family for discharge starting from earlier onset of admission

3.      Involve caregiver/family in the discharge planning

4.      Enquire about caregiver/family member who will be responsible for the care of child after discharge in order to plan care with him/her

5.      Review child’s assessment data and admission notes

6.      Estimate possible duration of hospitalization with health team members

7.       Discuss with the unit staff child’s treatment plan for nursing care

8.      Identify with health team issues that has to be discussed with child, caregiver/family about his/her treatment and after care

9.      Educate child, caregiver/family on the disease condition and its management

10.    Discuss with child, caregiver/family the possible duration of hospitalization

11.      Encourage them to express their fears and ask questions

12.    Involve caregiver/family in the care process

13.    Obtain signed referral forms to specific therapist if applicable

14.    Arrange a visit between any of the following therapist and the caregiver/family to make assessment and plan for continuity of care if necessary

·         Public Health Nurse

·         Nutritionist

·         Social Worker

·         Physiotherapist

15.    Inform child, caregiver/family of any change in treatment plan as soon as it is agreed upon and indicate progress being made towards discharge

16.    Discuss plan with child, caregiver/family to discharge

17.    Conduct home visits to ascertain caregiver/family’s preparedness to receive child and closest referral point if any

18.    Document circumstance of discharge

19.    Give emotional support all through procedure and provide patient with necessary explanations