Page 63 - Business Development Orientation Binder

4/9/2019

Medications, Durable Medical Equipment
(DME), and Supplies

 Ask patient if they take any medications at home. If so, who was
administering
 Ask patient about their medication allergies
 Explain that the visiting nurse will need to see all the medications when
he/she arrives in their home. (Even the ones in the shoebox on the shelf,
other counter medications, or natural remedies!)
 Make every effort to ensure patient has necessary DME and/or supplies
present in home at time of hospital discharge, or that arrangements have
been made to have them sent home with patient or as soon as possible
after discharge. Communication with referrer is critical. Document vendor
names and phone numbers in coordination notes.
 Make every effort to ensure patient or mutual caregiver has been taught
how to perform tasks such as medication self-administration, wound care,
etc.

43

Patient’s View

 Do not offer information to patient about his/her
hospital diagnosis or treatment—this should be
communicated by hospital staff

 Never forget to ask…
- How do you see yourself managing when you get
home?

44

22