Discharge refers to a formal termination of inpatient care.
In psychology, the term "discharge" can have a few different meanings, depending on the context in which it is used. Here are a few examples of how "discharge" might be used in psychology:
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Discharge planning: This refers to the process of developing a plan for a person to safely leave a hospital or other inpatient care setting and to transition to the next phase of treatment or care. Discharge planning can involve coordinating with different healthcare professionals, identifying needed resources and support, and making arrangements for follow-up care.
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Discharge criteria: This refers to the specific criteria that must be met in order for a person to be safely discharged from a hospital or inpatient care setting. Discharge criteria can vary depending on the nature of the person's condition and the type of care they have received.
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Discharge summary: This refers to a document that summarizes a person's hospital stay, including their diagnosis, treatment, and discharge instructions. A discharge summary can be used to communicate important information to other healthcare professionals and to facilitate the continuation of care after discharge.
In each of these examples, "discharge" refers to the process of leaving a care setting or ending a period of treatment.