Developing a model of discharge planning based on patient characteristics

Previous research using hypothetical case scenarios has suggested a model of decision making in discharge planning involving at least two steps. The first is to assess the availability of a caregiver, and the second is to examine the complexity of the patient's situation regarding follow-up care needs, physical functioning, and compliance. The combination of these factors then influences the choice of discharge option. The present study attempted to validate and extend the model using actual cases in a retrospective chart review. The four variables of the original model correctly classified 68% of patients by discharge type and accounted for 29% of the variance. An expanded model that included chore assistance, living situation, caregiver availability, medical need, and patient age was able to account for an additional 19% of the variance in the discharge plan.