for discharge to home or to a non-acute environment (rehabilitative,
transitional, or chronic care), surgeons must take into account a
number of factors beyond the medical determinants. These factors
include: 6,7
• Patient cognitive status
• Patient activity level and functional status
• The nature of the patient’s current home and suitability for the
patient’s conditions (eg, presence of stairways, cleanliness)
• Availability of family, carers, or companion support
• Ability to obtain medications and services
• Availability of transportation from hospital to home and for
follow-up visits
• Availability of services in the community to assist the patient
with ongoing care