What types of devices or procedures require additional instructions to patients upon discharge from the practice setting?
Anytime a patient is discharged from a practice setting and is required to use a device to administer medicines, support a physiologic function or to provide ongoing treatment, the patient should be fully educated in the use of the device, its potential for failure and the proper maintenance to keep it optimally operational. In most circumstances, this responsibility for self care can be best accomplished by observing the patient use the device prior to discharge and when appropriate observe the patient perform routine maintenance and dispose of the device properly.
