Which is an example of effective discharge planning?

• A. Initiating discharge planning on admission, coordinating post-acute services, ensuring patient and family understanding of medications and follow-up, and arranging home care.
• B. Discharge planning only after discharge.
• C. Focusing solely on medical therapy without coordinating follow-up.
• D. Not involving the patient in planning.

Answer: (A)

Discharge planning is about coordinating a safe, patient-centered transition from hospital to the next setting. The most effective approach starts early—on admission—so the team can identify post-discharge needs, arrange supports, and educate the patient and family about medications and follow-up. By coordinating post-acute services and arranging home care, the plan ensures continuity of care, reduces medication errors, and lowers readmission risk. Involving the patient and family in planning aligns the plan with their goals and improves adherence. Approaches that wait until after discharge, focus only on medical therapy without arranging follow-up, or exclude the patient from planning miss essential elements that support a successful transition and can lead to poorer outcomes.