Wound-care guide · Patients and families
Questions to ask after hospital discharge with a wound
Leaving the hospital with a wound can create more questions than answers. Before discharge, confirm who will manage the wound, where supplies come from and whom to call if something changes.
Know the next appointment and responsible clinician
Confirm supplies, home health and transportation
Before discharge
Ask the team to answer these questions in writing.
- Who changes the dressing and how often?
- What activity, bathing or weight-bearing restrictions apply?
- Which symptoms require a call or return to the hospital?
- Who orders supplies, equipment or home health?
After arriving home or at a facility
Compare the actual situation with the discharge plan.
- Are the correct supplies present?
- Can the patient and caregiver follow the instructions?
- Has the follow-up clinician received the records?
- Is transportation or mobility likely to delay the next appointment?
Do not let a gap become an emergencyCall the discharge team or responsible clinician when orders, supplies or follow-up are missing. Call 911 for life-threatening symptoms.
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