The Decision of Discharging a Patient from the Hospital: Case (Neurological) Report with Legal Implications

Abstract

Patient safety is an important aspect of patient care following the discharge from the hospital (having gone through the required treatment). A transition from hospital care to domestic care/community care to a discharged patient is another complex factor that might have a bearing in the decision-making of a treated/operated patient due for discharge. However, the pressure on premier government medical institutions to cater to the awaited patients of chronic and severe diseases remains a vital consideration to bail out the lives of impending threats. Delayed discharges may have a financial implication on the one hand and hospital-borne infections on the other hand, which may be difficult to treat in immune-compromised state/vulnerable subset of patients. Unplanned discharges without thoughtful planning may result in readmission and misappropriation of limited resources at medical institutions. A thorough explanation of risks, warnings, care, support system, need for readmission, accessibility, communication, and facilitat.ion remain important considerations while discharging the patient. However, limited high-level government medical centers and pressure to accommodate other sick patients may force treating clinicians to discharge the patients at optimal levels of their clinical recovery, in countries like India.

Keywords

hospital discharge - patient safety at discharge - patient care following discharge - hospital policy - SOP

Publikationsverlauf

Artikel online veröffentlicht:
22. April 2025

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