Lecture Notes: Discharge Planning and Home Health Care

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering discharge planning, AMA, telehealth, home health services, caregiver stress, and related concepts from the provided notes.

Discharge planning

Process of planning a patient’s discharge from care, initiated on admission with information collection and documentation to ensure a safe transition home or to another setting.

Against Medical Advice (AMA)

A patient’s voluntary decision to leave a hospital or medical facility against medical advice, usually requiring a signed release form and acknowledgment of risks.

Telehealth (telemedicine)

Delivery of health care services at a distance using electronic information and telecommunications, including visits, prescriptions, counseling, and some diagnostic services.

Home health care services

A range of services provided at a patient’s home, including skilled nursing, therapy, custodial care, hospice, and supportive community services.

High-technology services (home health)

Advanced medical procedures and equipment provided at home by professional staff.

Hospice services

Palliative care for terminally ill patients and families, focused on comfort and quality of life, often at home.

Community support services

Non-medical services such as meals on wheels and transportation that support home-based care.

Meals on Wheels

A community program delivering meals to homebound individuals to support nutrition and independence.

Caregiver burnout

Chronic stress from prolonged caregiving that can negatively affect health and well-being, influenced by coping resources and culture.

Respite care

Temporary relief for the primary caregiver, allowing others to assume caregiving duties for a period.

Infection prevention

Measures to prevent infections during home care, including hand hygiene and environmental precautions.

Hand hygiene

Regular cleaning of hands with soap and water or sanitizer to reduce infection risk.

Reimbursement sources

Funding options for home health care, including government programs, private insurance, and out-of-pocket payments.

Safety considerations

Assessment of the home environment and practices to prevent accidents and injuries during home care.

Referral and orders for home care

Formal process where a physician orders home health services and initiates referrals.