Tips to Improve Patient and Family Education

The goal of discharge instructions is to provide the needed information to patients, family members, or significant others so that patients will be safe and comply with the recommended medical regimen until they reach the next level of care (e.g., clinic visit). Focus on:

• Actions patients need to take (e.g., medicines, activities, diet, and appointments)


• Who to call with questions


• Signs and symptoms to report to physician or when to seek immediate medical treatment


• Know your resources

Remember:

• Patient education


• Communication aids, such as interpreter services and language line

Know your patient and make a difference. To comply with the latter:

• During hand-offs between departments/levels of care/change of shift report, share outstanding patient education requirements


• Include important patient education components while developing competencies, policies, and procedures

While patient education is happening, remind staff to take credit for their teaching by:

• Documenting each patient education interaction


• Reviewing education provided daily and providing follow-up teaching as needed