Standardized discharge planning assessments: impact on patient outcomes.

The purpose of the study was to determine whether a difference exists in patient-reported problems and unmet needs after discharge when a standardized discharge planning assessment is added to usual care by staff nurses. Two groups of 130 adult patients were enrolled while hospitalized. The intervention group patients reported fewer unmet needs (P = .01) and had fewer problems complying with their discharge instructions (P = .04). Standardizing discharge planning assessments by staff nurses may improve identification of continuing care needs.