An article in MedPage Today examines the importance of communicating discharge instructions to patients. Effective communication of discharge instructions can reduce readmission rates. Interventions and home visits can be especially effective in following up on discharge instructions. But the two studies featured showed low patient participation rates in follow-up programs are low.
It seems that the challenge is for physicians and nurses to communicate not one, but two things: 1. The importance of following discharge instructions, and 2. How follow-up plans can help with 1.
In addition to communicating clearly, physicians and nurses need to listen to patient and family questions and concerns in order to make discharge planning successful and reduce readmission rates.
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