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Discharge Phone Calls: Following Up with Patients

In this lesson, you will learn how to effectively follow up with patients after an escalation using the Cares Connect methodology. We'll explore common types of patient concerns—including discharge instruction confusion, medication questions, follow-up care access, service disappointments, and urgent needs—and provide practical communication strategies and tools to address each scenario. You'll learn how to use techniques like Teach-Back, collaborate with care teams such as pharmacy or case management, and make warm, informed introductions using notes from the Cares Connect team and the electronic health record. By the end of this lesson, you'll be better prepared to provide safe, empathetic, and responsive care during post-discharge follow-up calls. (Video duration 6mins: 32s)

Course Description

The Discharge Phone Calls course is designed to empower you with the tools and context to elevate patient care and reinforce your organization’s commitment to excellence. By the end of this course, you’ll feel confident in using Cares Connect to enhance patient satisfaction, ensure continuity of care, and build meaningful connections with those you serve

This course provides healthcare professionals with the essential skills and strategies to conduct effective and compassionate post-discharge follow-up calls using the CARES Connect methodology. Designed to improve patient safety, satisfaction, and health equity while easing the burden on clinical teams, this course emphasizes the critical role of timely, thoughtful communication in the transition from hospital to home.

Through real-world examples and practical tools, participants will learn how to identify and resolve common post-discharge concerns—from medication confusion to care access barriers. The course explores the core principles of the CARES Connect approach, offering proven techniques such as the Teach-Back method, empathetic communication, and warm handoffs using information from the electronic health record. This course empowers healthcare professionals to be a vital, human connection in a vulnerable moment—ensuring every patient feels heard, prepared, and supported as they continue their care journey at home.

This course is best for:
  • Leaders
  • Physicians
  • Staff
  • Anyone looking to improve healthcare communication

Course Objectives

By the end of this 4-part course, you will be able to:
  1. Conduct effective and supportive discharge phone calls
  2. Address a variety of patient concerns with empathy and clarity
  3. Collaborate efficiently with interdisciplinary care teams
  4. Strengthen patient trust and engagement during transitions
  5. Reduce readmissions and enhance overall care experiences