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Nudging Discharge Readiness With a Poster: A Sequential, Exploratory Mixed Methods Pilot Study of Patient Caregivers.
Laura L Leets1, Jennifer Cahill2, Amber M Sprenger1
1MITRE Corporation, McLean, VA, USA.
A simple discharge readiness poster significantly improved caregiver perception of preparedness for transitioning home. This intervention offers a low-cost method to enhance patient care outcomes in busy hospitals.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Management
- Patient Experience
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Hospitals face space limitations, leading to rapid patient throughput.
- This can negatively affect patient and caregiver perception of discharge readiness.
- Caregiver preparedness is crucial for successful home transitions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if a discharge process poster improves caregiver readiness for home transition.
- To assess the impact of a simple environmental "nudge" on caregiver self-efficacy.
- To explore clinical staff perspectives on optimizing the discharge process.
Main Methods:
- Sequential, exploratory mixed methods design involving focus groups and a randomized controlled trial.
- Poster intervention developed based on qualitative staff insights.
- Quantitative survey assessing caregiver readiness, preparedness, and confidence post-intervention (n=135).
Main Results:
- Caregivers exposed to the discharge readiness poster reported significantly higher perceived readiness (P=.006).
- The poster also significantly improved perceived preparedness for home transition (P=.008).
- A marginal effect was observed on caregiver confidence ratings (P=.090).
Conclusions:
- Simple environmental interventions, like discharge readiness posters, can measurably improve caregiver outcomes.
- This approach offers a practical strategy to enhance patient transition experiences in resource-limited settings.
- Further research can explore optimizing "nudge" interventions in healthcare.
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