Question

-Identify how unplanned readmissions to hospitals could be prevented through prevention planning during these three phases: Before admission, before discharge, after discharge.

-If you or a family member were hospitalized, what would you do to prevent readmission?

Answer 1

1. Preventive measure before admission : the patient should be thoroughly and carefully assessed for an accurate and clear diagnosis. Patient should be admitted to the hospital only if necessary. Proper treatment and care planning should be done before patient admission to ensure proper deliver of medical care to the patient.

Preventive measures before discharge : these includes good quality care of the patient. Help patient understand about his condition, symptoms and signs to look for after discharge. Educate the patient about dos and donts. Ensure proper sanitary hygiene and skin hygiene. Follow measure to avoid wound infection and pressure sores.

Preventive measures after discharge : educate the patient about taking proper healthy diet. Encourage patient to do regular exercises. Educate caregivers about ways to prevent fall and maintain patients mobility. Educate patient about medications and regular checkups.

2. If I were a family member of patient, to avoid readmission I would follow following measures :

• Try to take full information about patients conditions and what signs to look for adverse reactions or worsening of condition at home.
• Learn methods of hygienic care of patient, wound care and measures to prevent pressure sores.
• Learn measures to prevent falls in patient.
• Gain information about healthy diet and what not to include in patients diet.
• Educate myself about medication dosage and timings.