Does information structuring improve recall of discharge information? A cluster randomized clinical trial

Area of Science:

• Healthcare communication
• Patient outcomes
• Emergency medicine

Background:

• Effective discharge communication is crucial for patient health outcomes.
• Low patient recall of emergency department (ED) discharge information is a significant issue.
• Physician communication strategies impact patient understanding and adherence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness of empathy (E) versus information structuring (S) communication skills for physician discharge training.
• To evaluate the impact of these strategies on patient recall, adherence, and satisfaction.
• To assess the feasibility of implementing these physician training programs.

Main Methods:

• Physicians were cluster-randomized to receive either empathy (E) or information structuring (S) skills training.
• Patient outcomes, including immediate recall, adherence, and satisfaction, were assessed post-discharge.
• Training completion rates were used to measure feasibility.

Main Results:

• Physicians trained in information structuring (S) demonstrated superior patient recall of discharge information compared to those trained in empathy (E).
• Patients in the S group showed significantly higher adherence to medical recommendations within 30 days.
• Patient satisfaction and likelihood to recommend the physician were also higher in the S group.

Conclusions:

• Training physicians in information structuring is a feasible and effective strategy to improve patient recall of discharge information.
• Enhanced recall and adherence resulting from information structuring can potentially improve the overall quality of care in emergency departments.
• Information structuring represents a valuable communication technique for optimizing patient understanding and outcomes.