Key result
PODS-HF increased patients' receipt of written information on warning signs and facilitated post-discharge self-management and adherence across six qualitative themes.
Why the study?
The study was conducted to evaluate the utility of a novel discharge tool adapted for heart failure (PODS-HF) on patient experience.
Does a patient-oriented discharge summary adapted for heart failure (PODS-HF) improve patient experience, self-management confidence, and adherence to discharge instructions compared with usual discharge care in patients hospitalised for heart failure?
Does a patient-oriented discharge summary adapted for heart failure (PODS-HF) improve patient experience, self-management confidence, and adherence to discharge instructions compared with usual discharge care in patients hospitalised for heart failure?
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
A patient-co-designed, single-page visual discharge tool (PODS-HF) combined with early post-discharge phone calls serves as a useful visual reminder that improves patient understanding of warning signs and supports self-management adaptation after heart failure hospitalisation.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the utility of a novel discharge tool adapted for heart failure (HF) on patient experience. DESIGN: Semistructured interviews assessed the utility of a novel discharge tool adapted for HF; patient-oriented discharge summary (PODS-HF) at 72 hours and 30 days after leaving hospital. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Three investigators used directed content analysis to determine themes and subthemes from the narrative data. SETTING: The cardiology ward of an urban academic institution in Canada. PARTICIPANTS: 13 patients and caregivers completed 24 interviews. Eligible patients were >18 years and admitted with a diagnosis of HF. RESULTS: Analysis revealed six interconnected themes: (1) Utility of discharge instructions: how patients perceive and use written and verbal instructions. Patients receiving PODS-HF identified value in the patient-centred summarised content. (2) Adherence: strategies used by patients to enhance adherence to medications, diet and lifestyle changes. PODS-HF provides a strong visual reminder, particularly early postdischarge. (3) Adaptation: how patients incorporate changes into 'new norms'. This was more evident by 30 days, and those using PODS-HF had less unscheduled visits and readmissions. (4) Relationships with healthcare providers: patients' perceptions of the roles of family physicians and specialists in follow-up care. (5) Role of family and caregivers: the pivotal role of caregivers in supporting adherence and adaptation. (6) Follow-up phone calls: the utility of follow-up calls, particularly early after discharge as a means of providing clarification, reassurance and education. CONCLUSION: PODS-HF is a useful tool that increases patients' confidence to self-manage and facilitates adherence by providing relevant written information to reference after discharge.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Schofield et al. (2019) studied Heart failure (n=13). Patient-oriented discharge summary adapted for heart failure (PODS-HF) vs. Usual care discharge instructions (printed electronic discharge summary) was evaluated on Patient experience and utility of discharge instructions via directed content analysis of semistructured interviews, including receipt of written information about signs and symptoms to watch out for (p=0.045). PODS-HF increased patients' receipt of written information on warning signs and facilitated post-discharge self-management and adherence across six qualitative themes.
Synapse has enriched 10 related papers. Consider them for comparative context: