Importance of Coordinated Referrals in Discharge Planning

A nurse is preparing to discharge a patient who has complex mental health needs after a lengthy hospital stay. During the discharge planning meeting, the nurse identifies the need for a follow-up and referrals to several community resources that specialize in mental health. To ensure continuity of care, it is essential to document and communicate these referrals accurately.

Complete the following sentence: When making referrals for a patient with complex health needs, the nurse must ensure that the referrals are not only timely but also __________, meaning they are appropriate based on the patient’s specific circumstances, needs, and preferences.