Disposition

Disposition refers to the inherent qualities of mind and character that an individual possesses. In the context of medicine, it can also refer to the final arrangement or settlement of a patient after a medical event such as a hospital stay or emergency department visit.

Medical Disposition

In a medical context, disposition is a term used to describe the plan for a patient's care after they have been diagnosed or treated. This can include plans for follow-up care, referrals to specialists, or instructions for home care.

Types of Medical Disposition

There are several types of medical disposition, including:

• Discharge: The patient is released from the hospital or clinic with no further immediate care required. They may be given instructions for home care or follow-up appointments.
• Admission: The patient is admitted to the hospital for further treatment or observation.
• Transfer: The patient is transferred to another healthcare facility for specialized care.
• Referral: The patient is referred to a specialist for further evaluation or treatment.
• Death: The patient has died during their stay in the hospital or clinic.

Factors Influencing Medical Disposition

Several factors can influence the medical disposition of a patient, including:

• Patient's medical condition: The severity and type of the patient's illness or injury will greatly influence their disposition. For example, a patient with a minor injury may be discharged, while a patient with a serious condition may be admitted or transferred.
• Availability of resources: The availability of beds, staff, and other resources can also influence disposition decisions. For example, a patient may be transferred if the necessary resources for their care are not available at the current facility.
• Patient's wishes: The patient's preferences and wishes can also play a role in disposition decisions. For example, a patient may prefer to be discharged and receive home care rather than being admitted to the hospital.

See Also

• Patient Discharge
• Hospital Admission
• Patient Transfer
• Referral (medicine)