Posted: August 16th, 2017

At what time during a patient’s hospital stay does discharge planning begin?

At what time during a patient’s hospital stay does discharge planning begin?
a) Admission
To prepare for early discharge and the possible need for follow-up in the home, discharge planning begins with the patient’s admission.
b) Twenty-four hours prior to discharge
Discharge planning requires identification of patient needs and anticipatory guidance and is not relegated to a specific time for beginning.
c) The shift prior to discharge
Discharge planning requires communication with and cooperation of the patient, family, and health care team and is not relegated to a specific time for beginning.
d) By the third hospital day
Discharge planning may require involvement of personnel and agencies in the planning process and is not relegated to a specific day of hospital stay.