Which transition of care practice involves a home visit or phone call within 48 hours after discharge?

• A. Home visit or call within 48 hours
• B. Weekly in-person follow-up for 3 weeks
• C. No follow-up after discharge
• D. Email after discharge

Answer: (A)

Timely follow-up after discharge is essential to ensure continuity of care and catch problems early. A home visit or a phone call within 48 hours after discharge is the most effective way to verify medications, confirm understanding of discharge instructions, and assess the patient’s living situation and safety. This early contact allows healthcare providers to identify and address issues promptly—reconciliation problems, missing prescriptions, or barriers to adherence—and to arrange any needed supports or follow-up appointments. A home visit offers direct observation of the home environment and medication management, while a phone call provides rapid triage and education when a visit isn’t feasible. In contrast, waiting longer for follow-up, having no follow-up, or relying on email after discharge may miss early complications and reduce safety.