Presented by BrightStar Care of Baltimore County

Why Discharge Planning from a Hospital is Important to Patients

Effective discharge planning can create big cost savings.  Studys find that intervention from social workers in a hospital correlates to shorter patient’s stays and fewer hospital readmission. “Implementing discharge planning activities, and their coordination, are central functions of the hospital-based social worker. Today’s social workers monitor comprehensive discharge planning services in a case management context"

Discharge planning is important because it supports the hospital financially and enables patients to safely transition from hospital to home.  Social workers help ensure a patient will function to their optimal level,  and they support the recovery process.  They provide information to the patient and their relatives or significant others about the effects of the patient’s condition.  They support a patient's need for attention or care after discharge.  Family members get help understanding the patient's condition and how they can offer support.

Hospital social workers let patients know when they will be going home and what they have to go through on the day of discharge.  They make sure services after discharge are provided.  These service arrangements may include home health care, medical equipment, transportation, or delivery of medical supplies and medication.

BrightStar Care of Baltimore County works closely with social workers and discharge planners to ensure continuation of care after a hospital stay or medical procedure.  Learn more about our Transition Care services - CLICK HERE.