What is a 'discharge summary'?

A discharge summary is a comprehensive report created at the end of a patient's hospital stay. It summarizes the patient's hospitalization, including key information such as the reason for admission, diagnoses made during the stay, treatments provided, and the patient's condition upon discharge. It also includes important follow-up care instructions, which aim to ensure continuity of care and support the patient's recovery following their release from the hospital.

This document is vital for healthcare providers, as it communicates essential information to other members of the care team, including primary care physicians or specialists involved in the patient’s ongoing treatment. In addition, it serves as a critical resource for the patient, helping them comprehend their health status and what steps they need to take after leaving the hospital, reinforcing the importance of follow-up appointments, medications, and any lifestyle modifications that may be necessary.

Other options, while related to healthcare documentation, do not encapsulate the primary purpose of a discharge summary. They refer to different aspects of patient care management that are important but do not specifically provide a holistic overview of a patient's hospital stay and post-discharge requirements.