Phase III recovery: referral options in postoperative discharge planning.

Most ambulatory surgery patients can be discharged home after phase I and II recovery. The term sometimes used to identify this postdischarge period of recuperation is phase III recovery. For a variety of reasons, some patients cannot go home without some type of assisted care in phase III recovery. Referral options in postdischarge planning are rapidly expanding to meet the changing needs of patients and families. Perioperative nurses must be aware of those needs and the community services available to meet them. By being knowledgeable and referring patients to appropriate assisted care services, nurses can help facilitate the recovery of patients while alleviating patient and family anxiety and reducing health care costs.