Patients' satisfaction with information at discharge

Background: Adequate patient knowledge and engagement with their condition and its management can reduce re-hospitalisations and improve outcomes after acute admission for circulatory system disease.

Aim: To evaluate the perceptions of cardio- or cerebrovascular patients of their satisfaction with discharge processes and to determine if this differs by demographic groups.

Methods: A sample of 536 eligible public hospital inpatients was extracted from a consumer experience surveillance system. Questions relating to the discharge process were analysed using descriptive statistics to compare patient satisfaction levels against demographic variables.

Results: Dissatisfaction rates were highest within the ‘Written information provided’ (37.8%) and ‘Danger signals communicated’ (34.7%) categories. Women and people aged ≥80 were more likely to express dissatisfaction.

Conclusion: Although respondents were largely satisfied, there are important differences in the characteristics of those that were dissatisfied. The communication of important discharge information to older people and women was less likely to meet their perceived needs.