What are core components of a discharge plan that mitigating risk?

The core components of a discharge plan that mitigate risk include medication education and follow-up because they are essential for ensuring that the patient understands their treatment regimen and knows how to manage their health after leaving the healthcare facility. This includes providing comprehensive information about new medications, potential side effects, and the importance of adhering to prescribed therapies. Follow-up appointments are crucial for monitoring the patient's progress, adjusting treatments as necessary, and addressing any emerging health concerns.

In contrast to this effective approach, other options demonstrate practices that can lead to increased risk for patients. For example, leaving without instructions or providing only verbal instructions fails to equip the patient with the necessary information to manage their post-discharge care, which can result in miscommunication and medication errors. Discharging patients without assessment overlooks the critical evaluation of the patient's condition, readiness for discharge, and understanding of their care plan, potentially jeopardizing their health outcomes.