A key component of postoperative discharge instructions requires verification of patient/family understanding of the instructions.A recent study found that only 67% of the discharge instruction comprehension was retained by day 3 postdischarge.What strategy best ensures patient/family understanding and comprehension of the discharge instructions?

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A study was conducted to describe patient responses to pre-discharge instructions and teaching.Items discussed in the discharge instructions included pain control,diet,bowel elimination,medications,activity limitations and progression,driving,sexual activity,bathing,incision care,clothing,foot care,and reasons to contact the surgeon.Three days after discharge,patients were contacted and surveyed to determine their understanding of the education provided.The overall mean of comprehension was 67% with no significant difference between surgery groups.Strategies such as "teach-back" are part of patient safety.In this type of strategy,the patient and family members,as applicable,or the individuals responsible for providing continuing care should be asked to recount in their own words what they have been told or reviewed as part of discharge education and planning

A Key Component of Postoperative Discharge Instructions Requires Verification of Patient/family