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Discharge planning should ideally begin prior to admission to the rehabilitation facility. This approach allows for a proactive strategy in managing a patient's care and ensuring continuity throughout their recovery process. Early discharge planning involves assessing the patient's needs, preferences, and potential challenges, which can inform goals for therapy and determine the necessary resources post-discharge.

Initiating discharge planning before rehabilitation admission ensures that the team can communicate with other healthcare providers, gather necessary information on the patient's medical history, and formulate a comprehensive plan that aligns with the patient's overall recovery goals. This proactive measure can significantly enhance patient outcomes by facilitating a smoother transition to the next phase of care, whether it be home, outpatient therapy, or another facility.

While beginning discharge planning at the time of admission or after a period of rehabilitation may also be beneficial, initiating it before rehabilitation allows for better preparation and a more holistic approach to the patient's healing journey.