Discharge Support Program
Returning home after a hospital admission can be a challenging time. The transition from hospital to home poses several key areas of risk as information, medication or discharge instructions can often be missed or forgotten. A phone call from a registered nurse at this time can help to support the transition.
The registered nurse will be able to provide advice, reassurance, allay concerns, or provide referral to further assistance when required around:
- medications
- hospital discharge instructions
- follow up appointments
- safety
- complications
What can members expect with a hospital discharge support call?
Members may receive a call before their admission if it is planned in advance, however most calls will be after returning home from hospital.
A call before the admission provides the opportunity to ask any questions about the upcoming admission. The registered nurse can also help prepare members for what they need to be mindful of when returning home.
Following discharge from hospital the registered nurse will ask questions to check members have all they need to keep well and recover. Questions may include:
- Do you have and understand your discharge instructions?
- Do you have any new medications and, if so, do you understand what they are for and when to take them?
Overall they will check that you are recovering from your recent hospital visit and have all you need at home to be comfortable and safe. If you need additional help, the nurses will be able to steer you in the right direction.
What if members don’t need the hospital discharge support call?
That is okay, the registered nurse will be guided by the member as to the level of support needed. At best, the member can be reassured that they are recovering well. It is acknowledged that sleep, appointments and rest are important at this time so calls can be arranged at a convenient time to the member.
Who is eligible to participate in the discharge support program?
Currently the discharge support program is available to all members participating in the HealthMeasures chronic disease management program.
The Fund is now extending the discharge support program to all of our members over the age of 60 who hold Hospital cover (excluding StarterPak) and have an overnight admission to hospital*.
Disclaimer: This program is not intended to replace the clinical advice of your doctor or health care provider. You should consult your doctor for specialist medical advice if you have concerns about your health.
*Certain admissions are excluded.Hospital admissions that are excluded include those for:
– Obstetrics and pregnancy related services
– Psychiatry
– Rehabilitation
– Chemotherapy
– Renal therapy
– Palliative (hospice) care
– Assisted reproductive services or infertility treatments
– Sterilisation
– Lithotripsy
– Cosmetic surgery
– Eye – laser surgery/refractive
– Eye – cataracts
– Eye – glaucoma
– Teeth – dental
– Day only procedures.
Teachers Health Fund engages Healthways AustraliaHealthwas Australia Pty Limited is part of the Healthways group of companies, which provide wellness and care management programs to over 50 million people worldwide. Teachers Health Fund has engaged Healthways Australia to deliver the Discharge Support Program to Teachers Health Fund members. Healthways Australia provides the infrastructure, skills and expertise to ensure that the program is of the highest standard. to deliver the Discharge Support Program.