Question

Select a communicable disease or infection. Present a post-discharge follow up for a client with the disease or infection from a hospital and a public health perspective.

Answer 1

The basics of discharge plan are:

• Evaluation of the patient by qualified personnel
• Discussion with the patient or his representative
• Planning for home coming or transfer to another care facility
• Determining whether caregiver training or other supports is needed.
• Arranging for a follow up appointment or tests.

Let us take an example of tuberculosis patient discharge,discharge plan should be carefully monitored and well developed as it is one of the infections that can be easily spread.Isolation of the patient details,should be warning like do not discharge infectious patients to congregate settings,Should ensure that primary care appointments for new and existing conditions should be listed out.Ensure that the patient is tolerating daily dosage of TB medications.Educate the patient is one of the most important tool while discharging a patient,educate patient about the length of the therapy,the importance of the treatment,Review potential medication side effects,Reinforce infection control measures to patients with infection like wearing a mask,stay home from school or work,cover mouth when coughing etc.Coordinate follow up care between patient,their local public health department and ensure that treatment continues.