Key steps to follow after hospital discharge to avoid readmission

Understand Your Discharge Summary Thoroughly

Before leaving the hospital, always request a detailed discharge summary from the attending doctor or hospital staff. This document includes:

• Diagnosis and treatment received
• Medications prescribed
• Dos and don’ts
• Follow-up appointment dates
• Warning signs to monitor

Don’t hesitate to ask questions if anything is unclear. Make sure a family member or caregiver also understands the instructions in case you need help later.

Schedule Follow-Up Appointments Immediately

Many patients delay or forget to schedule follow-up visits after discharge, leading to unmanaged symptoms and complications. Ideally, your first follow-up should be within 3–7 days, depending on your condition. These visits help the doctor evaluate recovery progress, adjust medications, and detect early warning signs.

Use reminders or smartphone alerts to ensure you don't miss these appointments.

Organise and Manage Medications Effectively

Medication errors are a leading cause of readmission. Changes to prescriptions during a hospital stay can create confusion. Here’s what to do:

• Review the list of current medications with your doctor or pharmacist
• Discontinue any drugs that are no longer prescribed
• Use a pill organizer or mobile app to track doses
• Maintain a medication chart at home

Ensure you understand when and how each medicine should be taken, especially for complex conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or heart failure.

Ensure Proper Home Care Support

Returning home doesn’t mean you're fully recovered. You may still need help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, wound care, or mobility.

Consider hiring trained home caregivers or nurses who can assist with:

• Monitoring vitals
• Administering injections or IVs
• Managing wound dressings
• Assisting with rehabilitation or physiotherapy

In cities across India, professional home healthcare services are easily available and can greatly reduce the risk of complications.

Monitor for Warning Signs of Relapse

Every condition has certain warning signs that indicate the need for urgent care. Educate yourself and your family about these.

For example:

• Chest pain, shortness of breath, or palpitations post-heart treatment
• High fever, swelling, or pus in surgical wounds
• Sudden fatigue, dizziness, or confusion in diabetic or hypertensive patients

Keep a contact list of your primary doctor, emergency hospital numbers, and local ambulance services handy.

Follow Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations

Diet plays a crucial role in healing. After discharge, many patients go back to unhealthy or unsuitable eating habits.

Some tips:

• Follow doctor-recommended dietary guidelines (low-sodium, diabetic-friendly, soft food, etc.)
• Stay hydrated unless restricted
• Avoid smoking and alcohol
• Get adequate sleep and rest

You may need a dietitian’s guidance to plan post-discharge meals, especially after surgeries or chronic illnesses.

Incorporate Physiotherapy or Rehabilitation Exercises

After orthopaedic surgeries, strokes, or prolonged hospital stays, your muscles and joints may be weak.

• Start physiotherapy at home under expert supervision
• Use assistive devices like walkers, canes, or support belts if needed
• Don’t rush into full activity too soon—take gradual steps

Early rehabilitation enhances mobility, boosts confidence, and reduces falls or injuries that might lead to readmission.

Maintain a Recovery Journal

Tracking your recovery journey helps identify patterns, improvements, or setbacks. Maintain a simple journal that records:

• Daily blood pressure, sugar, or oxygen levels (as applicable)
• Symptoms you experience
• Sleep and appetite quality
• Medication intake times

This record is useful during follow-ups and gives doctors better insights into your progress.

Keep Your Home Environment Safe and Clean

A cluttered or unclean home can cause infections or accidents, especially among elders. Ensure:

• Clean bathrooms and dry floors to prevent falls
• Adequate lighting, especially near staircases
• Sanitized bedding and utensils
• No heavy lifting or stair climbing if not advised

Regular maid service or part-time caregiver help can assist with maintaining hygiene.

Stay Mentally and Emotionally Engaged

Many patients experience post-hospital blues or anxiety. Isolation and lack of routine can affect mental health, especially in elderly individuals.

• Encourage social interaction with friends and family
• Engage in light activities like reading, gardening, or prayer
• Seek counseling if anxiety or depression signs appear
• Use technology to stay connected virtually if physical visits are not possible

Mental wellness has a direct impact on physical recovery.

Final Thoughts

Hospital discharge is just the beginning of full recovery. A lapse in post-discharge care can result in serious setbacks and even emergency readmission. Whether you’re caring for a loved one or recovering yourself, these 10 steps can ensure safe healing at home.

Investing in professional caregiving, following doctor’s advice, and being observant of symptoms can make all the difference. With the rise of affordable home healthcare options in India, patients today have better support than ever before to recover confidently from the comfort of home.