Definition
If a person requires specialised care and support when they leave hospital, their discharge is referred to as a ‘complex discharge’.
The person and any carers should be fully involved in the discharge planning, and should receive a copy of their care plan with details of their planned care and support.
If a person requires specialised care and support when they leave hospital, their discharge is referred to as a ‘complex discharge’.
The person and any carers should be fully involved in the discharge planning, and should receive a copy of their care plan with details of their planned care and support.
The bigger picture
This term can easily become attached to a person – ‘he’s a complex discharge’, or ‘she’s complex’ – labelling and blaming them rather than focusing on the support and adjustments people require.
Saying it differently
Use with caution, and to describe the discharge process, not the person. To learn more about why, visit the related jargon discharge.