Going home: your child’s discharge from the hospital
You’re likely looking forward to when your child can return home from the hospital. Planning for your child’s discharge involves all the members of your child’s healthcare team. They’ll work closely with you to prepare for your child’s needs at home. Below are some of the things to know about hospital discharge.
After Visit or Discharge Summary
Prior to discharge, you will receive a detailed discharge summary outlining your child’s stay, including why your child was in the hospital, who cared for them, and any procedures or medicines administered.
During any necessary hospitalization, the diagnosis, evaluation and recommended treatment information is promptly provided to the referring physician and can be shared with your primary care provider. You can also access this summary through MyChart or the Children’s Health Mobile App.
New Prescriptions
If there are any new prescriptions to be filled after this visit, confirm with the pharmacy that they have received the new prescription orders, and make a plan to get them filled and picked up in a timely manner.
Provide a Medicine List
While this may be included in your child’s discharge summary, it is important to have a list of medicines your child is taking, including new and existing prescriptions, over-the-counter medicine, vitamins and supplements.
Ask the care team or pharmacist if there are any types of medicine your child can stop taking or that are not good to take together. Also, make sure you know why, how and when to give each new medication.
Follow-Up Care Instructions
Your care team will provide follow-up care instructions that can include:
- Food or activities to avoid
- Follow-up tests or appointments
- How to care for incisions or use equipment
- Daily living adjustments
- Whom to call with questions
These instructions provide details for whether your child will need help with things like personal care, taking medicine, doctor’s appointments, physical therapy, wound care, injections or medical equipment. Repeat back what you hear the nurse say to make sure you understand the details correctly.
9 questions to ask your care team
- Who can I call 24 hours a day if I have questions or concerns? What number should I call?
- Has my child’s follow-up appointment been scheduled? When and with whom?
- What are key warning signs I need to watch out for? Who do I call if they happen?
- What special equipment does my child need? What special instructions do I need (wound care, injections, etc.)? Can you show me how to use it now?
- What kinds of activities and foods are limited? For how long?
- Is my child’s new medicine safe to take with their other medicine, vitamins or supplements?
- Do I know how and when to give my child’s medicine and how I will get prescriptions filled?
- Do I need any help taking care of my child once we’re home?
- Who can help me if I have concerns about medical costs?
Getting Back to Normal
After your child’s hospital stay, they may go through a period of readjustment at home. You may notice your child is acting out, clinging or has new fears. Try to be patient and understanding, but also be prepared to set some new limits. If your child’s behavior doesn’t stop or gets worse, contact your doctor for help.
Going Back to School
During your stay, our School Services resources assist in maintaining schoolwork and grades while receiving care. If your child has been out of school for a long time, talk to their teacher before your child returns to inquire about any assignments or tasks your child should do before going back to school. Also, be sure to let the teacher know if your child will need any special accommodations.
If you need a note to excuse leave from work or school, visit MyChart or the Children’s Health Mobile App.
Not Ready to Leave?
You have the right to appeal your child’s discharge if you don’t agree with the decision that they are ready to leave the hospital. Speak with your child’s care team and share your concerns. You may also need to reach out to Medicaid or your insurance company.
The Children’s Health difference
At Children’s Health, we strive to be by your side every step of the way, before your child needs care, throughout treatment from minor colds to major surgeries, and after your child leaves our doors. Learn more about our difference.