Brian's mother is 16 years old and lives with her parents.  She has been a frequent visitor to the hospital, but she is understandably nervous about taking Brian home.  You assure her that steps are being taken to provide her and her family with the support they need to care for Brian.  She states that though she is comfortable with suctioning the trach and giving tube feedings in the hospital, she has no idea how to go about obtaining the equipment and supplies needed to care for Brian at home.

How should you approach the decision about what "things" (supplies and durable medical equipment) Brian will need?

1. With Brian's mother, make a list of all the equipment and supplies Brian uses routinely, and write a prescription for each.
   

2. Ask the hospital social worker to make a list.
   

3. At the next case conference ask a staff person involved to compose a list.  Add the medical equipment you would prefer such as home monitor, pulse oximeter, suction machine if no one else has included these items.