Can telephone follow-up improve post-discharge outcomes?

Much effort and time can be devoted to discharge planning, but what measures exist to systematically ensure that everything has gone according to plan, and that no unforeseen problems have occurred once the patient has returned home? One possible solution evaluated by this study was the routine follow-up of patients discharged from a medicine for the elderly ward by telephone. This method was found to be quick cheap and effective. It also had the additional benefits of offering the opportunity to give further advice, reinforce health education, and for some help to provide an emotional bridge between hospital and home.