A computerized approach to discharge care planning

Discharge planning is directed toward ensuring continuing health care for a person moving between home and health care system. The ANA statement on continuity of care and discharge planning programs dictates tha the health care system must identify the linkages among the care providers, the providers as participants in the plan of care, and foster planning, coordination, communication, referral, and follow-up to achieve mutually agreed-on goals. To be effective, discharge planning must use a systematic approach that integrates input around the goal of coordinating patient needs with available resources. The preparation for discharge is emphasized from the time of admission. Components of discharge planning using an automated system are: admission assessment, integrated plan, documented progress, discharge summary, and multidiciplinary outcome summary.