Discharge planning should begin during admission.

Discharge planning should begin during admission.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not specified
• D. Only when discharge is imminent

Answer: (A)

Discharge planning should begin during admission because planning for a safe and smooth transition starts as soon as care begins. By assessing potential postdischarge needs early—such as home safety, caregiver support, transportation, finances, and access to medications—the healthcare team can arrange needed resources ahead of time and set feasible goals with the patient and family. This proactive approach also supports timely medication reconciliation, involvement of the appropriate professionals (nurses, social workers, case managers, pharmacists, therapists), and the coordination of postacute services like home health or durable medical equipment. Initiating planning early helps prevent delays at discharge, reduces readmission risk, and promotes safer, more continuous care. It’s not something to wait for or to leave unspecified, nor is it appropriate to limit planning to the moment discharge becomes imminent.

Discharge planning should begin during admission because planning for a safe and smooth transition starts as soon as care begins. By assessing potential postdischarge needs early—such as home safety, caregiver support, transportation, finances, and access to medications—the healthcare team can arrange needed resources ahead of time and set feasible goals with the patient and family. This proactive approach also supports timely medication reconciliation, involvement of the appropriate professionals (nurses, social workers, case managers, pharmacists, therapists), and the coordination of postacute services like home health or durable medical equipment. Initiating planning early helps prevent delays at discharge, reduces readmission risk, and promotes safer, more continuous care. It’s not something to wait for or to leave unspecified, nor is it appropriate to limit planning to the moment discharge becomes imminent.