Discharge Planning Checklist

It is the partial responsibility of healthcare providers to inquire and determine whether the patient is in complete understanding of he/she responsibilities upon leaving the facility.  This checklist recommends questions and suggestions that may be useful to consider when discharging the patient.

(based on the The University of Queensland model)

• If a prescription is necessary, will the patient be able to read the directions?  If not, can the prescription be written in the patient's native language?

• Where are you planning to obtain your prescription?  

• Ask the patient to repeat the explanation of he/she illness as well as the plan for treatment to ensure understanding.

• Have you used an interpreter (if needed) to facilitate communication concerning future medical care, concerns, appointments, etc?