Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 29, 2025
A Novel Approach for the Administration of Medications and Fluids in Emergency Scenarios and Settings
Published on: November 9, 2016
Using short message services for patient discharge instructions in the emergency department: A descriptive
Chien-Hsin Lu1, Yuh-Shin Kuo1, Jing-Shia Tang2
1Department of Emergency Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, No.138, Shengli Rd., North District, Tainan City 70403, Taiwan.
Background:
Healthcare discharge instructions are important for patients who are discharged from the emergency department (ED).
Objective:
This study aimed to evaluate the use of short message services (SMSs) for patient instruction on healthcare knowledge, care confidence, anxiety, and satisfaction in ED-discharged patients.
Methods:
A descriptive correlational study using an online questionnaire survey was conducted for ED-discharged patients with fever or symptoms of airway infection from August 1, 2021, to July 31, 2022. We utilized a questionnaire to evaluate the domains of healthcare knowledge, care confidence, anxiety, and satisfaction. Pearson correlations between variables were calculated. Independent samples t-tests and one-way ANOVA with post hoc tests were used to estimate least squares means for different age, sex, or education groups, and the mean differences in response scores were tested. Statistical significance was set at P < .05.
Results:
A total of 618 validated questionnaires were included in the analysis. In the fever group (n = 238), anxiety was negatively correlated with care confidence and satisfaction (r = -0.213, P < .001; r = -0.189, P = .003, respectively). Knowledge was positively correlated with care confidence and satisfaction (r = 0.217, P < .001; r = 0.192, P = .002, respectively). Patients with higher education levels, compared with those with lower education levels, had greater knowledge (6.8 ± 0.4 vs. 6.5 ± 1.0, t = -3.323, P = .001), care confidence (27.8 ± 3.3 vs. 26.5 ± 4.2, t = -2.661, P = .008), and satisfaction (25.7 ± 2.9 vs. 24.3 ± 3.3, t = -3.558, P < .001). In the airway infection group (n = 380), anxiety was negatively correlated with care confidence (r = -0.209, P < .001) and satisfaction (r = -0.245, P = .003). Knowledge and care confidence were positively correlated with satisfaction (r = 0.193, P < .001; r = 0.649, P < .001, respectively). Compared with males, females had greater knowledge (9.6 ± 1.1 vs. 9.2 ± 1.3, t = 2.597, P = .010) and anxiety (10.0 ± 4.7 vs. 9.0 ± 4.3, t = 2.053, P = .041). Patients with higher education levels had greater knowledge (9.6 ± 0.9 vs. 9.2 ± 1.4, t = -3.473, P = .001), care confidence (28.1 ± 2.9 vs. 27.1 ± 3.4, t = -3.350, P = .001), and satisfaction (25.6 ± 3.2 vs. 24.4 ± 3.1, t = -3.751, P < .001).
Conclusions:
Patient who received SMS-based health discharge instructions improved knowledge, care confidence, and satisfaction after ED visits. Future research should explore the application of the system across a broader range of emergency medical conditions.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:31Discharge Summary Forms
Here's a detailed look at the key components and guidelines for preparing a discharge summary:
01:29SBAR I: Understanding the Concept
Standardized methods of communication have been developed to ensure that information is...
01:26Types of Reports III: Telephone and Verbal Reports
Here's an overview of each type:
Telephone Orders
01:17Flow Sheet
Here's a closer look at the examples of flowsheets commonly used by nurses:
Graphic Sheet Documentation:
01:30Methods of Documentation VII: EMR
01:30Guidelines for Nursing Documentation I
Factual:
The following points emphasize the significance of upholding accurate and unbiased documentation in healthcare.