Constructing post-surgical discharge instructions through a Delphi consensus methodology. Issue 5 (May 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Scott, Aaron R.; Sanderson, Cody J.; Rush, Augustus J.; Alore, Elizabeth A.; Naik, Aanand D.; Berger, David H.; Suliburk, James W.
• Is Part Of: Patient education and counseling. Volume 101:Issue 5(2018)
• Page Start: 917
• Page End: 925
• Publication Date: 2018-05
• Subjects: Thyroidectomy -- Discharge instructions -- Delphi consensus method -- Patient education; Patient education -- Periodicals; Health counseling -- Periodicals; Health education -- Periodicals; Counseling -- Periodicals; Patient Education -- Periodicals; Éducation des patients -- Périodiques; Counseling -- Périodiques; Éducation sanitaire -- Périodiques; 615.5071
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2017.12.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0738-3991

Abstract

Highlights: Education materials are a crucial part of a physician's communication toolkit. Current patient education materials have poor readability and incomplete content. Delphi consensus method offers an easy, rapid way of selecting appropriate content. We provide a model discharge instruction template for thyroidectomy. Abstract: Objective: Patient education materials are a crucial part of physician-patient communication. We hypothesize that available discharge instructions are difficult to read and fail to address necessary topics. Our objective is to evaluate readability and content of surgical discharge instructions using thyroidectomy to develop standardized discharge materials. Methods: Thyroidectomy discharge materials were analyzed for readability and assessed for content. Fifteen endocrine surgeons participated in a modified Delphi consensus panel to select necessary topics. Using readability best practices, we created standardized discharge instructions which included all selected topics. Results: The panel evaluated 40 topics, selected 23, deemed 4 inappropriate, consolidated 5, and did not reach consensus on 8 topics after 4 rounds. The evaluated instructions' reading levels ranged from grade 6.5 to 13.2; none contained all consensus topics. Conclusion: Current post surgical thyroidectomy discharge instructions are more difficult to read than recommended by literacy standards and omit consensus warning signs of major complications. Our easy-to-read discharge instructions cover pertinent topics and may enhance patient education. Delphi methodology is useful for developing post-surgical instructions. Practice implications: Patient education materials need appropriate readability levels and content. We recommend the Delphi method to select content using consensus expert opinion whenever higher level data is lacking.