Date of Award

Summer 2025

Project Type

Thesis

College or School

CHHS

Department

Nursing

Program or Major

Direct Entry Master’s of Nursing

Degree Name

Master of Science

First Advisor

Pam Kallmerten

Second Advisor

Jordan Lavallee

Abstract

Background: Emergency Departments (EDs) serve a vital role in treating acute conditions, yet they face challenges in ensuring patients understand discharge instructions, particularly those related to medications. Approximately 70% of ED patients demonstrate deficits in at least one discharge domain, including medication understanding. Limited health literacy, time constraints, and rushed environments contribute to these gaps. Improving discharge communication is critical to reduce medication errors and prevent avoidable readmissions.

Local Problem: In a Northern New England ED, an assessment of the microsystem highlighted that patients often struggled to understand medication discharge information, increasing the risk of non-adherence and readmission. To address this, the quality improvement initiative aimed to assess and improve the delivery and readability of discharge medication materials, with the goal of enhancing staff knowledge and promoting patient comprehension.

Methods: This quality improvement project, guided by the PDSA model, included pre- and post-intervention surveys to assess staff confidence, barriers, and perceptions regarding discharge communication. Based on pre-survey findings, new medication discharge materials were created for five commonly prescribed medications using the Flesh-Kincaid tool. An educational session was then shared with staff to introduce the materials and strategies for improving discharge practices.

Results: Six staff members completed the pre-intervention survey, and one completed the post-intervention survey. The post-intervention survey respondent reported consistent confidence levels in discharge communication and indicated the intervention materials would support improved patient understanding. Due to limited participation, results should be interpreted cautiously.

Conclusion: Although data were limited, this project emphasized the importance of clear discharge materials and focused staff education to improve patient understanding and encourage safer medication use. Additional research is necessary to assess the wider effects and long-term sustainability of the intervention.

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