Effective discharge planning requires communication with which groups?

• A. Only the patient
• B. The patient and family, the health care team, outside services, and the health plan
• C. Only the hospital administrator
• D. Only the patient's primary care physician

Answer: (B)

Effective discharge planning hinges on broad, coordinated communication among everyone involved in the transition. The patient should be informed and engaged; family or caregivers need to understand the plan and support adherence; the health care team must align on medical care, medications, follow-up, and safety needs; outside services (such as home health, rehabilitation, social work, and transportation) arrange post-discharge support; and the health plan often coordinates coverage and any required services or authorizations. This comprehensive communication reduces the risk of medication errors, missed follow-ups, or gaps in services, which can lead to avoidable readmissions. Focusing only on the patient misses essential support and coordination; focusing only on the hospital administrator omits clinical and patient-centered elements; focusing only on the primary care physician excludes the patient and other critical providers and services.