After being discharged from Thong Nhat Hospital: why is this the crucial stage of recovery?
He had just left Thong Nhat Hospital after more than a week of treatment. The whole family was relieved because he was "out of danger." But just two weeks later, he returned to the hospital in a more serious condition.
It's not because the hospital's treatment wasn't good enough.
But because of the period after discharge from hospital – the crucial area for recovery – is often overlooked.
Many families believe that being discharged from the hospital means recovery. The reality is quite the opposite. Discharge only marks the end of the emergency phase. The most important part – recovery and maintaining health – begins here.
In the hospital, patients are monitored continuously. There are nurses, machines, and... doctor They get checkups every day. But when they get home, everything depends entirely on their family. And this is the "breakdown" that causes so many elderly people to return to the hospital.
Common reasons why patients are readmitted after discharge.
There was no one closely monitoring the situation every day.
One of the most common causes is the lack of someone closely monitoring the condition on a daily basis. Old person They may "look fine," but small changes like a slight increase in blood pressure, transient shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue are often overlooked. If these signs are not detected early, they can quickly develop into serious complications.
Mistakes in medication use
Older adults are very prone to forgetting doses, taking them at the wrong time, or taking the wrong medication. This is especially true for conditions such as cardiovascular disease or strokeEven a few days of incorrect treatment can lead to a relapse.
Delaying a follow-up appointment
Many families also delay follow-up appointments. They think, "I'll go when I'm completely healthy." But with chronic illnesses, follow-up appointments aren't just for checking – they're part of the treatment. Skipping these appointments prevents doctors from adjusting medication and monitoring disease progress.
Incorrect home care
Stroke patients who don't receive proper rehabilitation, lung patients who don't have their breathing monitored, and heart patients who don't control their diet—these things don't have immediate consequences, but they accumulate over time and cause the disease to return more quickly.
The three disease groups with the highest readmission rates among elderly patients at Thong Nhat Hospital are:
With cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure
Patients need to have their blood pressure measured daily and monitor for signs such as chest pain, dizziness, or unusual fatigue. If not properly controlled, the risk of complications and stroke is very high.
With stroke
The period after discharge from the hospital is the "golden time" for recovery. Patients need to exercise daily, receive support for daily activities, and closely monitor for any abnormal signs. If these are neglected, the chances of recovery will be significantly reduced.
For respiratory illnesses
With respiratory illnesses such as COPD or pneumonia, old person Reinfection is very easy if the living environment is not properly maintained and breathing patterns are not monitored regularly. Shortness of breath can appear suddenly and become dangerous if not treated promptly.
Common misconception: "Having family members to take care of things is enough."
A common misconception is that "having family to look after you is enough." In reality, caring for the sick It's not just about being there; it also requires knowledge and skills. Family members often fail to recognize early warning signs, and this is why many cases worsen before they can be treated in time.
For patients to recover properly, a clear care system is needed. Daily monitoring, timely medication reminders, mobility support, and ensuring scheduled follow-up appointments are not complicated tasks, but they must be performed regularly and accurately.
That's also why SANs were built. Not to replace hospitals, but to ensure that the recovery process isn't interrupted after a patient leaves the hospital.
SAN assists patients with appointments and follow-up visits, in-hospital care, home monitoring, and recovery support, especially for conditions such as stroke, cardiovascular, and respiratory illnesses. This is often the most challenging stage for families – and also the crucial period for determining treatment outcomes.
Treatment at the hospital It helps patients overcome danger. But it is the days that follow that determine whether they truly recover.
With proper care, the patient will gradually stabilize and return to normal life. With incorrect care, all previous efforts may be wasted.
📲 Download the SAN app for support caring for the sick After discharge from the hospital, monitor your condition at home and schedule an appointment for a prompt medical check-up.
