Discharge and Followup

Recommendations at a glance for responders to facilitate discharge planning and followup with patients: 

  • Medical discharge and followup care. It is important to ensure that patients are fully informed about postexam care. Information may include referrals to other professionals to make sure that patients’ medical and/or mental health needs related to the assault have been addressed, discharge instructions, followup appointments with the examiner and other health care providers as needed, and medical followup contact procedures. In addition to medical followup, followup may be indicated to document developing or healing injuries and complete resolution of healing. 
  • Coordination among responders prior to discharge. Advocates and law enforcement representatives (if involved) should coordinate with examiners to discuss a range of other issues with patients prior to discharge, including planning for safety and well-being, physical comfort needs, information needs, the investigative process, advocacy and counseling options, and law enforcement and advocacy followup contact procedures. 
Health care personnel have important tasks to accomplish prior to discharging patients, as do advocates and law enforcement representatives (if involved). These responders should coordinate their activities as much as possible to reduce repetition and avoid further overwhelming patients.


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