The relationship between health literacy and patient-physician communication on receipt and quality of discharge instructions prior to hospital discharge: a pilot study

Undergraduates: Meredith Park, Jamie Jarmul, Margot Hedlin Amy Weil, Darren DeWalt

Faculty Advisor: Amy Weil
Department: Chemistry

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Objective: The objective of this pilot study was to collect preliminary data on screening for health literacy in an inpatient setting, as well as patient-reported data on physician communication, scheduling of follow-up appointments, and quality of discharge instructions. Measures: Convenience sample of admitted medical patients categorized as either moderate or high risk of readmission. Health literacy was assessed using the Newest Vital Sign (NVS); quality of patient-provider communication was assessed using the Health Communication Assessment Tool (HCAT). We collected qualitative data on quality of discharge instructions and follow-up appointments through in-person and phone interviews. Patients were approached and consented when chart review indicated that they were within 1 day of discharge. Results: Enrollment of 10 patients in this pilot study; 8/10 patients had limited literacy. The mean of all HCAT questions was ¿¿¿ 4.4, indicating that patients generally felt communication with their physicians during hospitalization was excellent. While the 8/10 patients felt prepared for discharge, 4/10 had not discussed follow-up plans with their physicians and 8/10 did not have a follow-up appointment scheduled when interviewed less than 24 hours before hospital discharge. We were able to contact 6 /10 patients for the follow-up phone interview; 4/6 were able to recall the primary diagnosis from their hospitalization and 3/6 had received written information about ¿¿¿red flags¿¿¿.