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Failed discharge — DGM MCQ

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ModerateComprehensive geriatric assessmentFailed dischargeDGM

An 88-year-old man returns to hospital 24 hours after discharge because he cannot climb stairs or prepare meals. His pneumonia has improved and observations are stable. No home assessment was completed before discharge. Current medicines include amoxicillin. What is the most appropriate assessment?

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Correct answer: B — Review discharge failure with functional and environmental assessment

Rapid readmission with functional barriers indicates failed discharge planning requiring reassessment of home environment, therapy and support. Antibiotics alone, blaming the patient, unchanged discharge and colonoscopy miss the cause. Readmission can reveal unmet functional needs rather than new disease.

Reference: BGS CGA toolkit; NICE transition guidance