Patient Discharge Decision Flowchart: Streamlining Disposition Management after Acute Hospital Stays

Authors

  • Chloe Hille Nova Southeastern University, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA Author
  • Rachel Brasington Nova Southeastern University, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA Author
  • Jaikrishan Patel Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Kansas City, Missouri, USA Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.65539/9731c232

Keywords:

hospital discharge, post-acute care, rehabilitation, case management, medical education

Abstract

Transitions from inpatient to post-acute care are complex and often confusing for trainees, clinicians, and patients. This perspective describes the development of a visual discharge decision aid created in collaboration with case management specialists to clarify rehabilitation and post-acute care options after hospitalization. The flowchart outlines criteria for long-term acute care hospitals, acute inpatient rehabilitation, skilled nursing facilities, assisted living, home health, and independent discharge. By improving awareness of functional status requirements, intensity of services, and typical patient trajectories, the tool aims to support more informed, patient-centered disposition planning and help trainees better understand the continuum of post-acute care.

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References

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Published

2024-07-29

How to Cite

Patient Discharge Decision Flowchart: Streamlining Disposition Management after Acute Hospital Stays. (2024). Harvard Medical Student Review, 9(1), 29-32. https://doi.org/10.65539/9731c232