A Post-discharge Process Framework to Improve Follow-Up, Medication Reconciliation, Patient Satisfaction, and Readmission Rate in Pediatric Hospital
Keywords:
Discharge process, Follow-up, Medication reconciliation, Patient satisfaction, Readmission rate, Pediatric hospitalAbstract
The process of discharging patients from hospitals is a critical aspect of healthcare that requires effective communication and patient involvement. Proper pediatric discharge planning involves educating parents or caregivers on the patient's status. Hospitalists should not view discharge as the end of their commitment to patients. An inappropriate post-discharge process can lead to increased readmission rates, drug interactions, and patient dissatisfaction. This study introduced the FMSR framework to improve the efficacy of the post-discharge process in a pediatric hospital to help healthcare systems decrease readmission rates, reduce medication discrepancies, and increase patient satisfaction. A patient-centered approach and shared decision-making can promote patient safety and an efficient transition from hospital to home. Patient education prepares caregivers to return home with knowledge and better patient care. This study discusses the importance of continuous follow-up a few days after discharge in the home care unit. By implementing effective follow-up procedures in a pediatric hospital, healthcare providers can enhance the quality of patient outcomes and lead to a more patient-centered and effective healthcare system.
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