Date of Paper/Work

5-2022

Type of Paper/Work

Doctor of Nursing Practice Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

Renee Colsch

Department/School

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Abstract

Problem Statement: 78% of patients do not completely understand their discharge instructions, which can lead to decreased patient satisfaction, higher anxiety levels, poor medical outcomes, repeat emergency department visits, and higher overall healthcare costs. Additionally, nurses and medics report that they do not feel that they receive adequate education on how to provide appropriate and effective discharge teaching.

Purpose: This project aimed to increase the knowledge and utilization of evidence-based discharge teaching techniques among military emergency department nurses and medics.

Methods: Participants completed a learning style inventory, and then were taught about evidence based practice and the teach back method. Pre- and post-intervention surveys were done to evaluate knowledge, value, and implementation frequency of evidence based practice and discharge teaching practices.

Results: This group showed a strong preference for visual and sensual learning. The teach back method was utilized in 279 (23.6%) out of 1,185 patient discharges, compared to 0% of discharges prior to this project. Statistically significant improvement was observed in the knowledge and implementation of evidence based practice, and frequency of the teach back method. Patients verbalized an appreciation for this teaching method.

Conclusion: Using the results of a learning style inventory to guide the development of educational content is an effective way to improve knowledge and encourage practice changes in this group of emergency department nurses and medics.

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