Discharge planning, transitional care, coordination of care, and continuity of care: clarifying concepts and terms from the hospital perspective.

Hospital discharge planning is a key element of continuity of care for persons leaving the hospital. Yet many important questions regarding processes and effects of discharge planning have not been addressed, in part because the multiple terms associated with discharge planning have not been consistently defined or used. Failure to clearly name, define, and consistently use terms creates a barrier that inhibits scientific progress and best practice. This article reviews the use of terms and definitions and compares concepts associated with hospital discharge planning across key documents frequently referenced by hospitals. A conceptual model is proposed to facilitate consistent use of these concepts.