Discharge packets

[Phayaabaan]

I work in the training department of an impatient psych hospital. We are in the beginning stages of developing a discharge packet for our patients. I was wondering what other hospitals are offering to patients and what you have included in your discharge packets. Also any online or phone apps that you recommend to your patients after discharge. Thank you!

[Retired APRN, MSN, RN, APRN]

What a wonderful idea! (And I know this is off-topic and it was just an innocent typo, but I love the idea of an impatient psych hospital! :))

I am retired, but if I were designing a psych discharge packet, I would include, in no particular order:

* Clear instructions for medication dosage and times, with a simple graph or check sheet for the patient's use for the first month

* Patient information on the meds

* Phone numbers (OP clinic info, psych ER, help line, social work, etc.)

* Information on their diagnosis, signs of relapse

* Recreational suggestions (OP clubhouse, community groups, fun classes)

* Info on 12-step groups as may be appropriate

* If you discharge with a follow-up OP appointment in place, I'd put that all by itself on the front page. (pet peeve)

* Personalized suggestions for how to deal with stressful or down times, based on what has been discovered during the admission

This is a wonderful idea. Good luck with it!