10 Steps to Take Before You Leave the Hospital

AARP recently featured Meredith Masel, PhD, Director of the Oliver Center for Patient Safety and Quality Healthcare at UTMB, and co-leader of the Technology-Enabled Research Resource Core in the UTMB Pepper Center in its article, “10 Steps to Take Before You Leave the Hospital,” highlighting practical strategies to help older adults recover safely at home and avoid hospital readmissions.

The article notes that older adults face some of the highest rates of hospital readmission, often due to confusion about medications, follow-up care, and discharge instructions. Dr. Masel emphasized the importance of having a family member or friend present during discharge discussions, describing them as a critical “second set of ears” to help patients understand and remember important information.

Dr. Masel also encouraged patients to take an active role in the discharge process by repeating instructions back to their care team, taking notes, and, when permitted, recording audio or video demonstrations of medical tasks. For procedures such as changing bandages, administering injections, or managing oxygen equipment, she recommends practicing these skills with clinical staff before leaving the hospital to build confidence and reduce the risk of complications at home.

The national AARP feature underscores Dr. Masel’s leadership in patient safety and quality of care, advancing research and evidence-based practices that support healthier aging and improve care transitions for older adults. Her work aligns closely with the missions of the Sealy Center on Aging and the UTMB Pepper Center, which are dedicated to promoting independence, health, and quality of life for older adults.

Source: Michelle Crouch, “10 Steps to Take Before You Leave the Hospital,” AARP, July 8, 2026.