EVALI DISCHARGE 

READINESS CHECKLIST

Use this checklist in addition to institutional checklists and resources to assist with planning towards 

the safe discharge of patients hospitalized with e-cigarette, or vaping, product use–associated lung 

injury (EVALI). 

CONFIRM PATIENT CLINICAL STABILITY

Stable oxygenation and exercise tolerance for 24–48 hours prior to planned discharge* 

Stable vital signs, physical exam, resolution of symptoms, and normalized laboratory tests 

ENSURE INITIAL FOLLOW-UP, OPTIMALLY WITHIN 48 HOURS

Confirm outpatient follow up with primary care and/or pulmonology optimally within 48 hours 

of anticipated discharge 

ENSURE APPROPRIATE OUTPATIENT FOLLOW UP

Confirm outpatient follow up, as indicated by clinical course during hospitalization 

Primary care: for all EVALI patients, optimally within 48 hours 

Pulmonology: for all EVALI patients, follow up within 2–4 weeks, and at 1–2 months 

Endocrinology: for pediatric EVALI patients given steroids, for all EVALI patients at heightened risk of adrenal 

suppression due to duration or intensity of steroid treatment 

Cardiology: for those EVALI patients with history of cardiac pathology 

Psychiatry: for those EVALI patients with concurrent anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, previously diagnosed 

psychiatric illness, or if inpatient psychiatry consultation was required 

Addiction medicine: for those EVALI patients with a positive substance use disorder screen 

Physical therapy: for those EVALI patients demonstrating any deconditioning 

Pain management: for those EVALI patients with a chronic pain syndrome or pain due to comorbidities 

Provide written guidance about signs/symptoms and instructions on finding help, if symptoms recur 

Consider additional measures to optimize outpatient follow up for patients with conditions of high risk for EVALI 

rehospitalization and death** 

OPTIMIZE OUTPATIENT MEDICATION USE & SAFETY

Complete discharge medication reconciliation with outpatient medications, clinical course 

Complete discharge medication counseling between inpatient pharmacist and patient 

Counsel on signs of adrenal insufficiency if patient was prescribed corticosteroids during hospitalization, 

and on informing providers about corticosteroid treatment in case of acute injury or illness 

CONNECT TO SOCIAL CARE WORKFORCE

Complete evaluation by social care workforce to identify, record, and address postdischarge support needs 

Complete screening for mental health and substance use disorders 

Connect to community services to address social determinants of health 

OFFER AND OPTIMIZE CESSATION SUPPORT 

Complete substance use disorder screening (ASSIST, CRAFFT-N, or institution’s preferred tool) with connection to 

addiction medicine, follow up counseling, and medications when indicated 

Discuss cessation from e-cigarette, or vaping, including documenting a quit plan, and offering evidence-based tobacco 

product cessation interventions, including behavioral counseling and medications*** 

1

 [Evans 2019], [Mikosz 2019], Clinical Lung Injury Working Group

*After EVALI admission or if prior home O2 dependence, confirmed stability on low flow O2 with home discharge on supplemental 

O2 may be indicated.

**Older age, cardiac disease, diabetes, chronic pulmonary disease (including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and obstructive 

sleep apnea), or multiple comorbidities.

*** Among patients aged < 18 years, health care professionals can consider the use of interventions that have been shown to increase 

cigarette smoking cessation among adults, including behavioral interventions. No medications are currently FDA-approved for 

tobacco product cessation, including e-cigarettes, in children and adolescents.

CS 314064-A December 20, 2019