checklist for discharge

Discharge Summary

This includes why your child was in the hospital, who cared for them, and your child’s procedures and medicine.

New Prescriptions

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

Medicine List

This may be part of your child’s discharge summary. It should include new and existing prescriptions, over-the-counter medicine, vitamins and supplements. Ask 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 one.

Follow-Up Care Instructions

Beyond medicine, this 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 
• who to call with questions

After-Hospital Services

Know if your child will need help with things like personal care, taking medicine, doctor’s appointments, physical therapy, wound care, injections or medical equipment.

Local Resources

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