How to Help Assure a Safe Hospital Discharge

I recently had a client that experienced numerous hospitalizations in a short period of time.  I have been working with this client for over a year.  I know her health history, I know her providers, and I know her current medications.  This hospital recently migrated their electronic health records which could have been a contributing factor, but had it not been for a watchful eye, this client could have experienced serious consequences due to not one, but several, unsafe hospital discharges. 

On one occasion her discharge medications that were faxed to her Assisted Living Facility and pharmacy included two diabetes medications that she had not been prescribed in over a year.  Low blood sugar can lead to confusion, dizziness, and anxiety.  I was able to correct the mistake before it got to the client.   

On another occasion her discharge paperwork discontinued a diuretic.  The order should have been to discontinue the IV Lasix that she was receiving as an inpatient, but to continue her oral Lasix once she got home.  Not taking a prescribed diuretic can lead to fluid retention and heart failure.  Again, I was able to catch the mistake before it got to the client.   

Finally, this client was hospitalized for persistent GI bleeds.  Due to a charting error, her follow up appointment with her GI specialist was cancelled.  I was able to quickly get the appointment rescheduled and her care continued as planned. 

According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) approximately 20% of patients experience adverse events in the first 3 weeks after discharge, with 61% of those events regarded as preventable or avoidable.   

How can you help assure you or your loved one has a safe discharge?

1.      Ask questions: Ask your doctor about the medications you will be taking after you leave the hospital, and make sure you know the dosage, frequency, and potential side effects.

2.      Get instructions in writing: Make sure you get written instructions for any care you will need at home, such as wound care or physical therapy.

3.      Follow up with your doctor: Set up an appointment with your doctor shortly after your discharge, and make sure you follow through with any recommended follow-up care.

4.      Keep track of your symptoms: If you experience any unexpected symptoms or side effects, contact your doctor immediately.

5.      Ask for help: If you need assistance with tasks such as transportation, meal preparation, or medication management, don’t hesitate to ask for help from friends, family, or community resources.

6.      Know your insurance coverage: Understand what medical expenses your insurance covers and make sure you are not charged for any unnecessary procedures or services..      Gut feeling that something is wrong, but you are being told everything is fine.

7      Stay vigilant: Keep a medical journal to track your symptoms, appointments, and medications, and bring it with you to all doctor’s appointments and medical procedures.

Having a patient advocate can help, whether it is family, friend or professional.  Having someone you know, and trust can help assure you have a safe hospital discharge. 

To err is human, but when it comes to your health, that can be a tough pill to swallow.  With planning and organization, you can help assure you or a loved one has a safe hospital discharge. 

Depending on the level of involvement clients and families want from their advocate, Haven Healthcare Advocates can actively engage in the entire hospitalization from admission, to discharge, and follow up.  Advocates can obtain daily updates from medical staff during the hospitalization, work hand in hand with the social workers or discharge coordinators and can attend discharges either in person or virtually.  Advocates can verify medications and make sure prescriptions are available at the pharmacy or are delivered to the home the day of the discharge.  Advocates can follow up with home health services to assure they are scheduled and have appropriate orders.  Advocates can coordinate care from advising providers of the admission to scheduling and attending follow up appointments.  While advocates do not give medical advice, they can work to assure clients and family have and understand the medical information they need for a safe and healthy discharge. 

To learn more about Haven Healthcare Advocates and the services we provide please visit our website at https://www.havenhca.com/ here to schedule a consultation.