Patients retain limited information after hospital discharge

Patients do not accurately remember their discharge instructions, according to a study in the Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety. Of the 53 patients who participated in the study, more than 90% were confident they knew their diagnosis and treatment. However, an independent review showed slightly more than 50% correctly recalled their post-discharge treatment plans and 43% correctly recalled their medication changes. Nurses most often used whiteboards to convey discharge information, but patients rated them least helpful for remembering care information. Patients suggested having bedside pen and paper along with updating whiteboards with diagnostic and therapeutic information. (Joint Commission news release, 1/31/23)