Post-discharge Phone Calls

[nicurn23]

Our unit has been mandated to start calling our families after discharge to make sure things are going well. I am part of the team responsible for developing this. I was wondering if any of your units do these phone calls and if so, what questions do you ask?

Thanks!

[RNN09, BSN, RN]

Hello,

From my expirence we usually ask how the child is doing as you stated. Majority of the calls are based on any follow up the child had such as medications or breast feeding if the mom choose this. Parents are given a discharge packet which has phone numbers in case they should have questions. We encourage parents to share their expirences with us. hth

[karnicurnc, MSN, APRN, CNS]

We do not do phone calls. That is an interesting concept. We encourage phone call from parents with questions once they get home until they have seen the follow up pediatrician. After that, we refer them to their pediatrician if they continue to have questions.

[brownbook]

Not sure about NICU post calls. I assume that is where your're working? Just keep the post call list short and simple so staff is compliant. Prior to discharge let the care giver know you will be calling them and ask for the best phone number to call. Ask if you may speak to anyone who answers or do they want the call to be just with the care giver, think HIPPA. If you get an answer maching have some guidelines for staff about what information you can leave, think HIPPA. If an answer machine is reached, or no one answers, is only one attempt made or another attempt the next day? Then just the basic questions, how is the baby, do you understand your discharge instructions, any questions, etc.

[RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN]

We do post discharge phone calls, but imho are basically stupid. Ours are all customer service related, opportunity to complain about someone/something. At the very end something to the effect of how is the LO doing. No matter what feedback, I don't see any changes other than hounding the nurses to keep up the customer service to boost up ratings.