When a healthcare facility is processing dozens - or hundreds - of discharged patients a day, it's easy to forget what a traumatic experience it can be for each individual patient. This is especially important when it comes to discharge because once the patient leaves the hospital they become responsible for following a specific discharge plan that will ensure their return to health.
The discharge process is one of the biggest determinants of whether a patient will experience later complications that lead to readmission. Numerous private and government reports have concluded that an effective discharge process can be a key factor in reducing re-admissions thus saving hospitals Thousands of dollars.
And it's hardly a surprise patients have trouble in this area...
Why Robust Patient Discharge Procedures Are Vital
Think about how this process looks from the point of view of a patient. First, of course, the entire hospitalization process itself is stressful and disorienting. They're often only vaguely aware of what's been happening to them at all.
Beyond that, if they've been operated on, they may still be floating on their painkillers and basically unable to learn.
Even if their mind is clear, chances are, their top concern is simply getting home to someplace they find more comfortable. If all they want is their own bed, they're probably not going to pay much attention to a briefing, no matter how important it may be.
It'd be nice if every discharged patient gave you their complete attention during discharge, but it rarely -if ever- happens. Given the extremely high costs of readmission, it means new solutions are necessary.
A properly put-together patient discharge folder is among the cheapest and most effective solutions available. For just a few extra dollars per-patient, you can head off five- or six-figure expenses, and that's on top of Medicare/Medicaid penalties that might be assessed.
Three Ways Discharge Folders Create Happier Patients And Better Outcomes.
1 - All your information is safe in one place.
The primary job of a folder, of course, is secure document conveyance. High-quality discharge folders provide this is spades. With string-tied or Velcro flaps closing the folder, they're far more secure than typical loose-leaf folders.
The best patient care information is useless if it falls out of the folder before it gets home. A well-made discharge folder keeps everything in its proper place.
2 - Smart organization creates smarter patients.
Another issue with typical discharge folders is that they're barely sorted, if at all. A huge stack of unsorted paperwork is imposing for anyone, much less a patient still recovering from a procedure.
Since a well designed discharge folder can include plenty of pockets and dividers, you can present a clear and organized discharge plan that patients find easy to follow. Clear tabs like "Diet," "Exercise," and "Drug Interactions" ensure any piece of information a patient needs is easily found. Further, a well-organized folder will encourage patients to keep it organized.
Time-based organization is another option here, especially for patients looking at several future milestones that will alter their care over time.
3 - Create better-focused discharge briefings.
Personalized discharge folders help your nurses or other discharge staff get the most out of their face time with patients.
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When it's well-organized, they can quickly survey the folder to ensure all proper materials are there.
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Discussions can be prioritized to focus on immediate post-care, without overwhelming the patient with information that won't be relevant for weeks.
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The staff have reference materials on-hand, for visual aids.
This creates a much better-rounded experience for patients. Nurses have more opportunity to spot errors in the package, and patients get a focused briefing that keeps their needs in mind.
Better Folders Bring Better Patient Outcomes
When the majority of unplanned admissions are preventable, a hospital should be doing everything possible to head them off. By constructing a great discharge folder, with patient-focused materials, you're making a powerful recovery tool.
Want to see for yourself? Contact us today for a free sample OR click below to download our guide on how Discharge Folders can help reduce hospital readmissions.
