What is the most important information for a nurse to communicate when advocating for a client’s discharge into the community?

When advocating for a client’s discharge into the community, the most important information to communicate relates to the client’s improved functioning level. This is crucial because it demonstrates that the client has made progress in their treatment and can function effectively outside of a hospitalization setting. Improved functioning indicates that the client is better equipped to manage their mental health and daily activities, which is central to the assessment of their readiness for discharge.

While the client's desire to return home is significant and speaks to their personal preferences, it does not alone ensure their readiness for discharge. Similarly, the family's opinion on treatment success provides valuable context but lacks the objective measure that improved functioning offers. Follow-up appointments are also important for continuity of care, but they are secondary to the clear indicator of the client’s capacity to function independently in the community. Therefore, communicating the client's improved functioning level is vital as it reinforces the rationale for their discharge and supports the ongoing recovery process.