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Improving Discharge Teaching for Adult Patients with an Ileostomy
Sophany Roeung1, Teri G Lindgren, Annette Carley
1Sophany Roeung is an NP in the Department of Colorectal Surgery at the University of California San Francisco Medical Center. Teri G. Lindgren is an associate clinical professor at the University of California San Francisco School of Nursing, where Annette Carley is a clinical professor and associate director of the DNP program. Contact author: Sophany Roeung, sophie.roeung@ucsf.edu . The authors have disclosed no potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise.
A new frequently asked questions (FAQs) handout significantly reduced patient calls after colorectal surgery discharge. This improved patient education and recovery by addressing common concerns proactively.
Area of Science:
- Colorectal Surgery
- Patient Education
- Quality Improvement
Background:
- Shorter hospital stays for colorectal surgery patients limit opportunities for essential discharge teaching.
- Discharged patients with new ileostomies frequently contact providers with preventable questions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To decrease patient-initiated postdischarge inquiries.
- To improve patient education and self-care through a frequently asked questions (FAQs) handout.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective chart review identified common patient concerns post-discharge.
- A FAQs handout was developed addressing bowel movements, medications, wound care, stoma issues, and more.
- Data on patient inquiries were analyzed pre- and post-intervention.
Main Results:
- Total patient-initiated inquiries decreased from 46 to 5.
- The proportion of patients calling postdischarge dropped significantly, especially between 72 hours and 21 days (49% to 15%).
- Fewer topics prompted patient inquiries after the intervention.
Conclusions:
- Implementing a FAQs handout as part of discharge teaching is an effective strategy.
- This quality improvement project successfully reduced postdischarge patient calls.
- Enhanced discharge protocols can improve patient self-care and recovery.
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