SECTION:	H - Clinical 

TITLE:	PATIENT DISCHARGE CRITERIA 

POLICY #:	6.104 

EFFECTIVE DATE:	01/29/98 

APPROVED BY: 

 

 

 

All patients at the facility will be discharged after assessment of their post-operative condition.  The 

following guidelines have been established in designating a patient ready for discharge: 

 

1.	Each patient should have a discharge order from the surgeon or anesthesiologist. 

 

2.	Each patient should be accompanied home by a responsible adult.  Patients who have a 

transportation service to transport them home must have a designated individual at home to assume care. 

 

3.	Each patient should be able to ambulate with help. 

 

4.	Patient will have no nausea or vomiting at the proposed time of discharge. 

 

5.	Patient will have no unusual bleeding or discharge at time of discharge. 

 

6.	Patient will not be discharged if they express a need to void but are unable to void. 

 

7.	Patients will be instructed as to their post-op home care as detailed on each surgeon's discharge 

instructions (if available). Facility discharge instructions will be given in addition to physician's discharge 

instructions (if available). 

8.	Each patient will be given instructions to call their surgeon in case of problems or questions. 

9.	Every patient will be called within 48 to 72 hours of discharge (see post-op call procedure). 

 

10.	Each patient, accompanied by a responsible and designated adult, will be assisted to their 

automobile. 

 

11.	Any patient dismissed by the surgeon before completing the required recovery stay or not 

accompanied by an adult at discharge time must have a written order by the surgeon. 

 

 

 

 

Last Modified by: Shirley Gay ON 01/29/98