Your care team in hospital will explain the discharge process for you. You can ask questions so you are as ready as possible to leave hospital and stay healthy once you’re home. Let your care team know who will be helping you take care of yourself after you leave the hospital.
Be sure to discuss each of the following topics with your care team before you leave
Ask “Do I need any tests done before I leave?” and “Did I get all the test results I need?”
Ask “When are my follow-up appointments and with who?”
Review your medication list with your care team, and make sure you understand the changes that have been made and directions for taking each medication.
Ask your care team “What warning signs should I watch for after I leave hospital?” Be sure to ask what the signs are and what to do if you notice them. Write these down and keep them in a place you can see them at home.
Ask “How do I take care of my surgical wound?
Write down a name and phone number of someone to call with questions after you leave the hospital.
Ask the doctor any other questions you have before you leave.
References
“IDEAL Discharge Planning Overview, Process, and Checklist.” Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. US Department of Health and Social Services. Web. 8 September 2016 - Click here
“A Patient’s Guide to a Hospital Stay.” Florida Agency for Healthcare Administration. Web. 8 September 2016 - Click here