What is the process of arranging appropriate health care services for discharged patients called?

The process of arranging appropriate health care services for discharged patients is known as discharge planning. This is a critical step in the patient care continuum, as it involves assessing the patient's needs upon leaving the hospital and coordinating follow-up services to ensure a smooth transition from inpatient to outpatient care.

Discharge planning typically includes evaluating the patient's condition, educating them about their recovery process, and ensuring that they have access to necessary resources such as home health services, follow-up appointments, and any required medications. By adequately planning for discharge, healthcare providers can help minimize the risk of readmission and support the patient's ongoing health and well-being.

In contrast, case management encompasses a broader scope, involving the coordination of services across the entire healthcare continuum, rather than focusing solely on the transition from hospital to home. Patient follow-up pertains to the subsequent appointments and check-ins after discharge, rather than the planning that occurs before the patient leaves the hospital. Post-discharge assessment is about evaluating the patient's status after they have been discharged, which is a separate step following the initial discharge planning process.