Planning for the next phase

8.1 Planning for the next phase should be initiated as early as possible.

Reference: Canadian Stroke Strategy, 2010: Clinical Guidelines;  Shepperd et al., 2013: Cochrane review (not restricted to aphasia)

NHMRC level of evidence:   I

Rationale: Effective discharge planning is essential to ensure clients experience smooth transitions through their continuum of care. Delayed and/or incomplete discharge planning can lead to prolonged hospital stays and an increased risk of adverse events following discharge (Canadian Stroke Strategy, 2010; Shepperd et al., 2013).

References:

1. The Canadian Stroke Strategy. (2010). Canadian Best Practice Recommendations for Stroke Care.  Ottawa, Ontario Canada: Canadian Stroke Network
2. Shepperd, S., Lannin, N. A., Clemson, L. M., McCluskey, A., Cameron, I. D., & Barras, S. L. (2013). Discharge planning from hospital to home. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews(1). doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD000313.pub4 (not restricted to aphasia )