Adverse Events after Hospital Discharge - AHRQ Patient Safety Network - Patient Safety Primers

Adverse Events after Hospital Discharge

Background

The post–hospital discharge period can be dangerous. A classic study found that nearly 20% of patients experience adverse events within 3 weeks of discharge, nearly three-quarters of which could have been prevented or ameliorated. Adverse drug events are the most common postdischarge complication, with hospital-acquired infections and procedural complications also causing considerable morbidity. More subtle discharge hazards relate to the nearly 40% of patients who are discharged with test results pending and a comparable proportion who are discharged with a plan to complete the diagnostic workup as an outpatient. Failure to follow up on these test results and plans places patients at additional risk.


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AHRQ Patient Safety Network - Patient Safety Primers