A retrospective review as part of quality improvement activities is conducted after the patient has been ____.

A retrospective review in the context of quality improvement is conducted after the patient has been discharged. This type of review allows healthcare facilities to look back at patient records and outcomes after they have left the facility, providing valuable insights into the effectiveness of the care delivered during their stay. The goal is to analyze the processes and outcomes to identify areas for improvement in quality and performance.

Conducting the review post-discharge is critical because it gives a comprehensive view of the patient's entire experience, including the treatment received and any complications that may have arisen once they were no longer under direct observation. Reviewing cases at this stage also helps ensure that follow-up care or rehabilitation needs are adequately addressed based on the quality of the care experienced.

On the other hand, conducting a review immediately after admission or while the patient is still in recovery would not capture the overall outcomes and effectiveness of the care provided during the entire episode of treatment. Therefore, the most thorough and insightful evaluations come after discharge, making it the appropriate choice for conducting a retrospective review in quality improvement activities.