Discharge Instructions

The Reading Hospital percentages displayed in this graph reflect discharges during second quarter 2011. State and national rates from the US Department of Health & Human Services are for discharges between October 2009 and September 2010.

Why is this important?

Heart failure is a chronic condition. It results in symptoms such as shortness of breath, dizziness, and fatigue. Before you leave the Hospital, staff should provide you with information to help you manage the symptoms after you get home. The information should include:

• your activity level (what you can and can’t do)
• diet (what you should, and shouldn’t eat or drink)
• medications
• follow-up appointment
• watching your daily weight
• what to do if your symptoms get worse

Our approach to improving performance:

We have implemented preprinted discharge instructions. Both a Registered Nurse and a dedicated Case Manager are responsible for facilitating the completion of these instructions. We provide ongoing staff and physician education to assure that all heart failure patients receive the appropriate discharge instructions, and have developed a heart failure patient education booklet.