[Family satisfaction with systematic nursing instructions in a pediatric emergency department]

This study aimed to evaluate satisfaction with systematic nursing instructions among family members of pediatric emergency patients and to determine the degree to which family members complied with instructions provided. All subjects recruited were from a single medical center. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Written systematic nursing instructions were given to patient family members, supplemented by verbal interpretation. Family members were then contacted by telephone at 24 and 72 hours, respectively, after emergency department (ED) discharge. Questionnaires were completed and mailed back to the hospital within 72 hours. The 362 valid responses returned out of 700 questionnaires dispensed represented a response rate of 51.7%. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, one-way ANOVA and Scheffe's test. Main study findings included: (1) Family member satisfaction with systematic nursing instructions was 83.8%; (2) Families with higher educational levels had higher expectations in terms of health education and were less satisfied with instructions provided; and (3) 61.4% of participants reported symptom relief after following systematic nursing instructions and, as a result, did not need to return for further clinical help. Results demonstrate that systematic nursing instructions are effective in improving family satisfaction and compliance with nursing instructions. In addition, these instructions help reduce the rate of unplanned return visits to the pediatric ED.