The post hospital instructions after a serious illness or operation can seem
overwhelming or confusing. What medications do I take? How should I feel after a week? When do I see
my doctor next? Will I need help from friends or a relative? When can I go back to work? The following
guidelines can help you through the recovery process.
Ask a friend or family member to be with you when the discharge plan is discussed
Tip: Ask them to take notes for you
Obtain a clear explanation of your discharge plan from the doctor or medical staff and get it in writing including:
Precise diagnosis
Future appointments list
Medications list and when and how to take medications
Tip: Check that all your other medications and vitamins are indicated as well as the post hospital medications
Find out how your recovery should proceed
What are your physical limitations
What instructions should you follow (bathing, eating, exercise, care of incisions, etc.)
How much help will you need including personnel and equipment
Tip: If you haven’t pre-planned for post hospital equipment, ask a friend or family member to help you obtain this equipment
Obtain name and phone number of physicians or medical personnel to call if recovery does not proceed as indicated or if new symptoms appear
Tip: If you don’t understand or it seems too complicated to follow the discharge plan, question the plan until you do
Give a trusted friend or relative permission to receive your medical information by signing disclosure forms with your medical providers
Ask for the hospital’s discharge planner or the hospital’s patient advocate to help plan the post hospital care
Ask about referrals for skilled nursing or home care services if required
Schedule an appointment with your primary care physician as soon as possible
Tip: If you are unable to drive to this or other post appointments, ask a friend or relative
Keep a daily record of your progress and bring it with you to all post appointments
Food and drink consumed
Medications taken (name and time taken)
Physical activities
Wound healing (redressing)
How you feel compared to what you were told at discharge from the hospital
Keep a written record of all tests you take (MRI, blood tests, X-ray, etc) and the date of the test to help reconcile bills or invoices
