The Impact of Revised Discharge Instructions on Patient Satisfaction

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Patient Experience
• Clinical Communication

Background:

• The effect of discharge instructions on patient experience remains unclear.
• This study investigates the impact of nurse- and physician-generated discharge instructions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if collaborative discharge instructions positively influence patient perceptions.
• To assess the effect on patient satisfaction with the discharge process.

Main Methods:

• A comparative analysis of Press Ganey patient satisfaction scores was conducted.
• Scores were examined for the year before and after implementing revised discharge instructions.
• The study included all patients at a 180-bed community hospital.

Main Results:

• Patient satisfaction scores significantly improved post-implementation (84.7% vs 83%, P < .01).
• Patients reported increased readiness for discharge (86.6% vs 84.9%, P = .01).
• Satisfaction with home care instructions also increased (87.8% vs 85.3%, P < .01).

Conclusions:

• A novel discharge instruction set, co-created by nursing and physician staff, can enhance patient perceptions.
• This collaborative approach may lead to improved patient outcomes and experiences.