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Discharge Phone Calls: Introduction

In this lesson, you'll learn the core principles of the Cares Connect methodology for discharge phone calls—designed to support safer patient transitions, improve care experiences, address health equity gaps, and reduce clinician burden. Using a real-world examples, you’ll see how timely follow-up calls help identify and resolve issues patients face after leaving the hospital. At the end of this lesson you will learn:  

The four primary objectives of the Cares Connect methodology.

The importance and impact of timely post-discharge phone calls.

How compassionate connection and escalation protocols lead to safer recoveries.

The types of questions asked during a Cares Connect call to identify and resolve concerns.

(Video Duration 7mins:2s)

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