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Episode 69 - Discharge Planning - Instruction

Scott Giles PT, DPT, MBA
Posted 07/22/2025

Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/cVCbOK1vLhk

What is the MOST appropriate form of education to facilitate a safe discharge? 

1. Perform hands-on training sessions with the patient and family members 
2. Videotape the patient performing transfers and activities of daily living 
3. Provide written instructions on all activities of daily living and functional tasks 
4. Meet with family members to discuss the patient’s present status and abilities 

Transcript

Welcome back to the Scorebuilders’ Question and Answer Podcast! This podcast provides members of the Scorebuilders’ team with the opportunity to explore challenging multiple-choice examination questions with students actively preparing for the licensing examination. My name is Scott Giles and I will be your host for today’s journey.

Ready? Let’s go!

A physical therapist prepares a patient status post CVA with global aphasia for discharge from a rehabilitation hospital. The patient will be returning home with her husband and daughter. 

What is the MOST appropriate form of education to facilitate a safe discharge? 

1. Perform hands-on training sessions with the patient and family members 
2. Videotape the patient performing transfers and activities of daily living 
3. Provide written instructions on all activities of daily living and functional tasks 
4. Meet with family members to discuss the patient’s present status and abilities 

In order to facilitate a safe discharge, it is imperative that the physical therapist is certain that the patient and family are aware of and can perform the necessary activities of daily living (ADLs) and functional tasks that will be required.

Let’s explore each of the options:
Option 1 - Perform hands-on training sessions with the patient and family members
Hands-on training sessions provide unique opportunities for the therapist to assess the competence of family members in a structured environment. This type of session enhances learning through active engagement, leading to improved skills, knowledge retention, and preparedness. 

Option 2 - Videotape the patient performing transfers and activities of daily
Videotaping the necessary transfers and ADLs will provide the family with a visual aid. However, it does not ensure that they are able to safely perform the tasks with the patient. 

Option 3 - Provide written instructions on all activities of daily living and functional tasks
Providing written instructions on all ADLs and functional tasks is an important part of a home exercise program and should be included in all discharge plans. However, this action does not ensure that family members are able to perform the tasks safely with the patient.

Option 4 - Meet with family members to discuss the patient’s present status and abilities
Meeting with the family member to discuss the patient’s present status and abilities is an important part of any discharge planning. However, it will not provide the therapist with enough information on the family’s competence with the required tasks.

The correct answer is Option 1

This is an experiential question where students have to consider four attractive options and select the “Best” answer. It’s critical that students evaluate the benefit of each option while focusing on the primary goal of the question - “to facilitate a safe discharge.” 

Safety at home for this patient will be most influenced by the caregivers being able to correctly perform their defined roles. As a result, hands-on training sessions will typically be the most beneficial.

Let’s explore the all student data:
64% of students selected Option 1, Perform hands-on training sessions with the patient and family members, the correct response
12% of students selected Option 2, Videotape the patient performing transfers and activities of daily living
8% of students selected Option 3, Provide written instructions on all activities of daily living and functional tasks 
16% of students selected Option 4, Meet with family members to discuss the patient’s present status and abilities

System Classification
This question is a Neuromuscular and Nervous Systems question which represents approximately 24% of all exam items.

Content Outline Classification
This question is an Interventions question which represents approximately 29% of all exam items.

Level Classification
This question is a Level 3 question since the question requires candidates to systematically analyze and often interpret information to determine an appropriate course of action. The questions tend to have some degree of subjectivity and candidates are required to assign varying degrees of importance to different variables.

Academic Focus Area
Looking to review related academic content? Check out pages 825-828 in PTEXAM: The Complete Study Guide.

Thanks for joining us on the Scorebuilders Q and A podcast! See you next week!