Post-Surgery and Discharge

Policy

Our clinicians allow patients to leave the practice when:

• discharge criteria are met

  Before a patient is discharged they must be orientated to time, place, and relevant people, and must have:

  • stable vital signs
  • adequate pain control
  • minimal nausea, vomiting, or dizziness
  • minimal bleeding or wound drainage
  • adequate hydration
  • a responsible adult to take them home if required.

  NZS 8165: 2005 – 4.5.3

• patient understands any post-procedure requirements
• appropriate support is in place.

After the procedure

1. Give the patient (and their whānau) any post-procedure information (verbal and/or written). This may include:
   • how to look after the wound.
   • how and when to take any pain relief.
   • any limitations e.g. driving, lifting, working, or having a support person with them following the procedure.
2. Ensure the necessary follow-up appointments have been booked with appropriate staff, e.g. changing dressings, discussing histology, or follow-up assessment.
3. Give clear instructions along with an assessment to make sure that patients are able to safely self-administer any post-op medication where required.
4. Allow the patient to leave in accordance with the discharge criteria.

   Before a patient is discharged they must be orientated to time, place, and relevant people, and must have:

   • stable vital signs
   • adequate pain control
   • minimal nausea, vomiting, or dizziness
   • minimal bleeding or wound drainage
   • adequate hydration
   • a responsible adult to take them home if required.

   NZS 8165: 2005 – 4.5.3

   Ensure the patient:

   • has access to a phone or other method to summon assistance and has been given out of hours contact numbers.
   • has arranged a suitable person to take them home and stay with them if needed.
   • knows how and when they will learn the results of any tests.
   • has been given or prescribed any pain relief or post-op antibiotics required, and given instructions for their use
   • understands any plan for follow-up care from other providers.
5. Communicate follow-up care requirements to the patient's primary healthcare provider or referrer if appropriate.

Follow-up

1. Assess the patient at future appointments as required.
2. Record the patient's treatment as complete in Medtech when clinical staff are satisfied that no further action is required.

Post-Surgery Patient Information

We can link to any information you give patients following surgery.

For example:

• Information about procedures and after-care
• Wound care information