Pediatric Liver Patient Discharge / Transition to Home
Examining a Liver Transplant Patient
Children who live more than 60 minutes outside the Cincinnati area or have limited transportation are asked to stay in the Cincinnati area after their initial discharge from Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. The stay usually lasts one to two weeks, depending upon your child's recovery.
The transition to home period enables families to spend quality time together in a more private setting outside the hospital. However, medical care is right around the corner.
Generally, the Liver Transplant Team requires that you and your child stay at the Ronald McDonald House or the Vernon Manor Hotel. These facilities are close to Cincinnati Children's and have reduced rates for lodging.
The care during this phase of your child's recovery consists of many visits to the post-transplant clinic to see your child's doctors and nurse coordinator.
During these visits, the recovery of your child is reviewed through a general physical exam and a review of other medicines and nutrition. Lab tests or blood work generally are performed three times a week in order to monitor your child's progress. The Liver Transplant Team monitors your child's lab results very closely to make sure your child's liver continues to function well.
Home health care nurses are important members of the Liver Transplant Team. The nurses come to your home to draw blood for lab tests, assess your child's condition and provide continued education with central line, feeding tube and wound care.
If there are any concerns about your child's progress and condition, it may be necessary to re-admit him or her to the hospital.
Written 5/03, rev. 6/07
