Postadmission

Postadmission refers to the phase of inpatient care that follows a patient’s admission to a hospital or other care facility. It covers the immediate and ongoing activities after admission, including initial assessment and stabilization, the creation and execution of a plan of care, order entry and medication reconciliation, and documentation in the medical record. The postadmission period also includes infection prevention, safety measures, and ongoing monitoring, as well as discharge planning and arrangements for transitions to home or another setting.

Key activities during postadmission typically involve a comprehensive admission assessment, vital signs surveillance, risk screening (for issues such as falls, malnutrition, or delirium), interprofessional rounds, and the development of a multidisciplinary care plan. Effective communication with the patient and family, timely documentation, and coordination with ancillary services are essential. Medication reconciliation helps prevent errors, while patient education supports understanding of the treatment plan and safety considerations. Discharge planning begins early in the inpatient stay, with arranging follow-up care, home supports, and any required post-discharge services to ensure a safe transition.

Outcomes associated with well-managed postadmission include improved patient safety, accurate and timely diagnosis and treatment, reduced hospital-acquired complications, and smoother transitions of care that may lower readmission risk. Challenges in this phase can arise from communication gaps, information fragmentation across teams, and resource constraints, underscoring the importance of standardized processes and reliable information flow.