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Home First

Patient and Family Guide

Tips for use of the guide:

  • Introduce this patient and family guide upon admission.
  • Ask, “What matters most to you about returning home?”​
  • Say, “This guide is yours to keep. It helps us all stay on the same page about your care and what you’ll need for a smoother discharge.”
  • Reinforce, “People heal faster at home – let’s work towards that together.”
  • Review sections together during bedside rounds or whiteboard updates.​
  • Prompt patients and families to write questions in the journal section.​
  • Revisit the guide as needed and before the estimated date of discharge (EDD).​

Transitioning from Hospital to Home Checklist

For a smoother, thorough, patient-centered transition from hospital to home, front-line staff must complete the hospital to home checklist for every patient transitioning home or to another care setting before discharge is finalized.

Tips for use of the checklist:

  • Begin the checklist at the first signs of discharge planning. Don’t leave it until the Estimated Date of Discharge (EDD).​
  • Ensure all sections are complete and signed off.​
  • Review all possible risks that could impact a safe transition.​
  • Document any “N/A” or unresolvable barriers and risk mitigation strategies.​
  • Ensure clear hand-off to community partners.

Home First Education Presentation

Image used under terms of NSH Getty Images license.

Home First Poster

Order print copies

You can order print copies of the Home First poster or family guide for your unit, clinic or department. Complete the order form for Dalhousie Printing Services, using your cost centre:

To order the patient and family guide:

  • In the Form ID field, enter WX85-2173.
  • Complete other form fields as needed.
  • Complete, save and submit the requisition form.

To order the Home First poster:

  • Do not enter a Form ID.
  • Select the Customized box.
  • For Paper Type enter high-quality poster paper.
  • Select the Colour box.
  • For Final Size enter 17”W x 11”H or 24”W x 18”H sizes, as preferred.
  • Complete other form fields as needed.
  • Complete, save and submit the requisition form along with a copy of the poster file.

Still have questions? Instructions for ordering and printing patient education materials.

Patient Experience Video

Coming soon!