DA Form 3888-3: Nursing Discharge Summary (PDF Download) – U.S. Army form used in military medical facilities to document a patient’s nursing discharge summary. It ensures safe transitions from inpatient care to home or other settings by capturing critical post-discharge instructions, patient understanding, and health status.
Download the official DA Form 3888-3 here: https://armypubs.army.mil/pub/eforms/DR_a/pdf/A3888_3.pdf
What Is DA Form 3888-3?
DA Form 3888-3, titled Medical Record – Nursing Discharge Summary, is a standardized three-part form (COPY 1 – Inpatient Record Copy, COPY 2 – Patient Copy, COPY 3 – Health Record/Outpatient Treatment) issued in June 1991. It replaces the earlier DA Form 3888-5 (Test).
The form is governed by AR 40-66 (Medical Record Administration and Healthcare Documentation) and used primarily in Army Military Treatment Facilities (MTFs). It summarizes nursing care provided during a patient’s stay and outlines instructions for continued recovery after discharge.
Purpose of the Nursing Discharge Summary Form
The primary purpose of DA Form 3888-3 is to promote patient safety and continuity of care during discharge. It documents:
- Discharge destination and mode of transportation.
- Activity limitations and patient/significant other (S.O.) understanding.
- Dietary restrictions and medication instructions.
- Treatments, equipment/supplies, and follow-up care.
- The patient’s condition relative to the nursing care plan.
- Confirmation that the patient or caregiver comprehends all instructions.
This form supports compliance with DoD health record policies and helps reduce readmissions by ensuring clear communication.
Key Sections of DA Form 3888-3
The form is structured for quick completion and review. Main sections include:
- 1. Date/Time: Records the exact discharge time.
- 2. Discharge to: Home or other (specify).
- 3. Mode: Ambulatory or other (with limitations).
- 4. Accompanied by: Identifies who is with the patient.
- 5. Activity: Limitations and confirmation of understanding by patient/S.O.
- 6. Diet: No restrictions or special diet details, plus understanding confirmation.
- 7. Medications: Name, dosage, frequency, special instructions, and teaching verification.
- 8. Treatments/Care: Instructions given, demonstrations (dates), equipment/supplies.
- 9. Follow-up: Clinic appointment timeframe and understanding confirmation.
- 10. Patient’s Condition: Health status relative to the nursing care plan.
- 11. Signature: Registered Nurse.
- Additional Information and patient identification fields.
The form emphasizes patient education through checkboxes for observed demonstrations and returned demonstrations.
Who Uses DA Form 3888-3 and When?
Registered nurses or authorized nursing personnel in Army hospitals and clinics complete this form at the time of patient discharge. It is part of the broader nursing documentation process alongside forms like DA Form 3888 (Nursing History and Assessment) and DA Form 3888-2 (Nursing Care Plan).
It applies to inpatient discharges and supports integrated electronic or paper-based health records under DHA and Army regulations.
How to Fill Out DA Form 3888-3: Step-by-Step Guide?
- Complete Patient Identification at the top.
- Enter Date/Time of discharge.
- Specify Discharge to (Home or Other) and Mode.
- Document Activity, Diet, Medications, and Treatments with clear instructions.
- Record teaching: Check boxes confirming patient/S.O. understanding and any demonstrations.
- Note Follow-up appointment details.
- Summarize the Patient’s Condition.
- Obtain the Registered Nurse’s signature.
Use legible handwriting or approved electronic methods. Retain copies as specified (original in inpatient record). Always reference current AR 40-66 guidance for compliance.
Importance in Military Healthcare and Patient Safety
In the U.S. Army health system, proper use of DA Form 3888-3 ensures seamless handoffs between inpatient nursing teams, outpatient providers, and patients. It aligns with broader DoD policies on health records and discharge planning.
For service members, veterans, and military families, this documentation supports continuity across facilities and helps prevent complications after discharge.
Where to Find and Download DA Form 3888-3?
- Official Source: Army Publishing Directorate – Download PDF.
- Fillable versions are available on authorized sites, but always use the official PDF for records.
For the latest guidance, consult AR 40-66 or your local Medical Treatment Facility policies.
This article provides general information based on publicly available official sources as of 2026. For official use, refer to current Army regulations and consult qualified military healthcare professionals.