12/16/2024
❓ How do you know if your child is ready for discharge from physical therapy? There are lots of factors we take into consideration…
1️⃣ Did your child achieve all of their functional goals? Are there more gains to make if PT were to continue? If so, then new goals must be set to continue to progress your child’s skills.
2️⃣ Is your child independent with age appropriate skills? If that is a yes, then discharge could be appropriate. If that is a no, then the parent should work with the PT to establish a plan of care to obtain the most optimal functional outcome.
3️⃣ Are you confident (as your child’s caretaker) in the outcome? If there is confidence that your child has achieved the most optimal outcome, it is appropriate to consider discharging. Remember to ask your PT if there is anything you should look out for as a red flag to consider PT services again.
4️⃣ Will you continue with the home exercise program? Please make sure you are independent and confident with this program before your child is discharged.
5️⃣ Is your child medically stable? Do we know there is very little risk of progression or worsening of your child’s condition? This can go for a developmental, neurological, or orthopedic diagnosis!
6️⃣ Your child has a medical team (pediatrician, PT, OT, Speech therapist, physician specialists, etc.). It is so important that the team communicates to formulate an individualized plan of care which includes a discharge plan.
7️⃣ Is there a transition plan in place? Do you know how to get your child back to fully functioning in their natural environments (ie: school, home, playground, etc.)? If the answer is yes, then this may be an appropriate time for discharge.
💚As pediatric PT’s we take all of these thoughts into consideration when we discharge a kiddo. Every child is unique and there are even more factors to consider when safely discharging a patient.
❓What’s your biggest factor when thinking about your child’s discharge?
