Discharge planning from A & E: Part I

The discharge of patients from hospital has always been a vital part of the nurse's role. The government recognized the need for health personnel to plan effective discharge of patients from hospital and guidelines were produced by the Department of Health in 1989. While these were aimed more at the inpatient than the Accident and Emergency (A & E) attender, many of the recommendations can be applied to the emergency setting. Nowhere more than A & E does this create a management problem for patients, carers and colleagues alike. Those patients that belong to vulnerable groups, the elderly, the homeless, children and the mentally ill require a comprehensive discharge programme, utilizing the skills and knowledge of a number of community care personnel. Current practices are explored and recommendations made for future management. Part 2 of the study, covering appropriate discharge advice for patients who do not need to reattend the department, will be published in 1998.