Ben is 3 years old and has a diagnosis of cardiomyopathy. He is due to be discharged home today and will continue on several different medications. Ben’s parents have learning disabilities and are anxious to be discharged quickly because they have a long journey home.
- What do you need to consider for safe discharge?
- Who might you involve/contact to support the family at home post discharge?
- What do you need to consider for safe discharge?
- Parents understand the medications Ben is to be discharged with, the dosage amount, the times they are given and any other information that is relevant to the safe management of Ben’s medication regime, such as possible side effects to observe for and how to obtain a repeat prescription.
- Contact community support – GP, health visitor and ensure that follow up support is arranged through community services.
- Whilst the parents are anxious to leave because of their long journey home, it’s important that parents are assessed as competent in managing Ben’s medication. It is the responsibility of the nurse discharging the family to ensure that they are competent. If there are concerns that the family may not be able to manage the medication safely, discharge should be delayed until an appropriate support mechanism is in place.
- Who might you involve/contact to support the family at home post discharge?
- GP, health visitor, children’s community nurse if applicable, social worker if applicable
