Discharge plan and Legislation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Discharge plan and Legislation - Essay Example A typical scenario involves the screening of hospital records for Mr. Sharma within 24 hours of admission to identify if he is a high risk patient who requires discharge planning. A typical high risk criteria might include factors like being age 65 and older and living alone with no immediate social supports. Prior to being admitted to the hospital Mr. Sharma had a care giver who visited morning and evening. This is expected to continue after discharge. However, there are additional complications that will require the need for additional assistance. Mr. Sharma is now recovering from a stroke and is undergoing therapy to help in the process. Additionally, Mr. Sharma has a wound which he acquired on getting the stroke. This wound is slow to heal. Further, Mr. Sharma has mild osteo-arthritis which appears stable but may later cause pains and therefore curtain his movements significantly. This discharge plan relates to 87 year old Mr. Sharma who has a history of minor strokes, Type 2 dia betes which is diet controlled; and a past history of hypertension which has been well controlled with the use of the medication, bendrofluumethiazide. Mr. Sharma also has mild osteo-arthritis which appears stable. In his recent bout of stroke Mr. Sharma stumbled and fell resulting in a wound to his leg. The wound became infected and has been slow to heal. Additionally, on his admission to hospital Mr. Sharma’s blood sugar level was raised to 10mmol g per litre. Mr Sharma has been in hospital for the past ten days and based on the results of tests has made a good recovery. He is very keen on going back home and so it is important that a proper discharge plan be done. This plan should include health care officials at the hospital, social services, his caregiver, Mr. Sharma and his family. During discharge from hospital the Caregiver for Mr. Sharma should be consulted. The caregiver’s comments should be taken into consideration and both Mr. Sharma and his caregiver shoul d receive a copy of the discharge plan for Mr. Sharma detailing the care that is required. According to the British Geriatrics Society (2006), older people who have been discharged from hospital and are living in a community have higher levels of dependency as well as more complex health and social care needs than other patient groups. Mr Sharma is 87 and falls in this group. He has complex problems which include hypertension, Type 2 diabetes and a wound to his leg which he obtained when he stumbled after suffering a recent stroke. This infection has been slow to heal. There is no present sign of infection but it will require special care on discharge. There are a number of problems that 87 year old Mr. Sharma is likely to face on discharge, some of which should be dealt with before discharge. They include management of diet, exercise, wound care to prevent re-infection, and proper use of medication. It has been suggested that Mr. Sharma starts to attend a local Expert Patient Progr amme in his community which will be organised by the community matron. This will have an impact on planning. Discharge arrangements are dependent on social services, health authorities, NHS trusts and primary care groups/trusts BGS (2006). Mr. Sharma should be involved early in the assessment process and care plans should offer them real choice. Carers are also entitled by law to receive if they require an