ANMCO Position Paper in collaboration with ITACARE-P: Management of hospital discharge

Hospital discharge is a crucial moment in the continuity of care, acting as a bridge between the acute phase and the treatment pathway that follows. Far from being a simple administrative act, it is a complex process requiring careful planning, effective communication, and the active involvement of all the stake-holders of the healthcare system, including the patient. Poor discharge management can have a negative impact on clinical outcomes, resulting in a higher risk of hospital readmission and inefficient use of health-care resources. Taking into account the increasingly old, fragile population showing a high prevalence of comorbidities and complex care needs, it is essential to consider discharge as a comprehensive and integrated approach to the care continuum. This document arises from the necessity to share an updated and practical model for the management of hospital discharge, based on the latest scientific evidence and multidisciplinary experience, its aim being to promote continuity of care and personalized treatment as well as to improve health outcomes. The authors intend to provide clinical cardiologists with a unified tool for the management of patient discharge, offering concrete proposals to improve communication between physicians and patients, optimize therapies, and positively impact health outcomes.