Checklist for Discharge

Make sure you have the following information before you leave the hospital.

Discharge Summary

This includes why you were in the hospital, who cared for you, your procedures and medicines.

Medicine List

This may be part of your discharge summary. It should include new and existing prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and supplements. Ask if there are any medicines you can stop taking or that are not good to take together. Also make sure you know why, how and when to take each one.

New Prescriptions

Check that your pharmacy has your new prescriptions, and that you have a plan to get them filled and picked up.

Local Resources

Ask your discharge planner for help finding local support groups or other after-care services that you may need.

After-Hospital Services

Know if you’ll need support in these areas and make a plan for getting it: 

• Personal care: bathing, eating, dressing, toileting
  
• Home care: cooking, cleaning, laundry, shopping
  
• Health care: taking your medicines, doctor’s appointments, physical therapy, wound care, injections, medical equipment

Follow-Up Care Instructions

Beyond medicine, these can include:

• foods or activities to avoid
  
• tests or appointments
  
• how to care for incisions or use equipment
  
• warning signs to watch for
  
• daily living adjustments (like how to get into bed)
  
• who to call with questions