Enhancing patient participation: clinical strategies in the discharge planning process

Social workers are in an excellent position to develop clinical interventions to enhance patient control over decision making about post hospital care. Participation in decision making has been identified in many studies as influencing well-being, health status and even mortality rates for elderly individuals facing relocation. Some of the practice patterns that support patient autonomy include: (1) involving the patient when working with families; (2) reaching for underlying conflict; (3) creating a sense of choice within existing parameters; (4) preparing patients for discharge; and (5) educating families and hospital caretakers to assist in this process.