Who is responsible for writing and signing discharge summaries?

The responsibility for writing and signing discharge summaries typically falls to the attending physician. The attending physician is the healthcare professional who oversees a patient's care during their hospital stay and is in the best position to integrate clinical findings, treatment decisions, and patient outcomes into a comprehensive summary. This document serves as a critical piece of communication between different care providers, ensuring continuity of care as the patient transitions from the hospital to other settings, such as home or rehabilitation facilities.

Discharge summaries include essential information such as the reason for admission, significant findings, treatment provided, and follow-up care instructions, all of which require the clinical judgment and expertise of the attending physician. By drafting and signing the discharge summary, the attending physician confirms that the information is accurate and reflects the patient's medical history during their stay, which is vital for ongoing care and legal purposes.