PREPARING FOR DISCHARGE
The time of discharge from the hospital is typically a busy period involving visits from multiple members of your healthcare team. It can be helpful to know what to expect and to plan ahead in order to best prepare for your departure from hospital. This includes discussing any important issues with the healthcare team early during your admission.
Key activities that are completed as you prepare for discharge include:
Final clinical assessments or treatments from medical, nursing and allied health
Visit from Pharmacist to review your discharge medications and scripts
Referral paperwork for services which may be required upon discharge
Hire or purchase paperwork for any equipment needed on discharge (e.g. walking frame, airway clearance therapy device)
To assist this process, you may take any of the following steps:
- Ask a carer or friend to help transport any new equipment to your home or be available to be familiarized with the equipment prior to discharge
- Tell a member of the healthcare team about any challenges you may have experienced prior to hospitalization or those which you anticipate occurring upon discharge
- Raise any questions about your treatment (medication, airway clearance therapy) early during your admission if possible.
- Ensure you have a follow-up appointment with your medical team upon discharge
- Ensure you have a physiotherapy plan for airway clearance therapy and exercise upon discharge. If you are to continue to receive physiotherapy in the community, ensure you have the necessary paperwork for that referral (or that it has been completed by a member of your healthcare team)
To further help you, ensure you have the following information:
An updated medication plan
A plan for follow-up with a medical practitioner
A plan for physiotherapy (airway clearance therapy and or exercise). This may also include a referral to pulmonary rehabilitation for some individuals
Smoking cessation support (if relevant)
Follow-up plan for oxygen therapy (if relevant)