Effect of a Discharge Checklist in the Emergency Department on Physicians' Satisfaction, Time Management, and Confidence: A Cross-Sectional Study

TL;DR

This study examined how a discharge checklist affects physicians' satisfaction, time management, and confidence in the emergency department.

Contribution

The study introduces an evidence-based discharge checklist and evaluates its impact on physician satisfaction and confidence in the emergency department.

Findings

No significant differences in satisfaction or confidence were found before and after checklist use.

Residents reported increased confidence with the checklist, while staff physicians tended to find discharge skills time-consuming.

Emergency residents showed prevalent dissatisfaction with the checklist.

Abstract

Introduction

Timely and accurate discharge communication is important in continuing patient care. Discharge instructions are often rushed, and patients frequently do not understand aspects of their discharge, particularly medication management. This study aimed to assess the effect of an evidence-based discharge checklist on physicians and residents by measuring their satisfaction with the current discharge process versus the results after applying a discharge checklist.

Subjects and methods

This cross-sectional study compared physicians' satisfaction and confidence levels before and after the discharge checklist was administered. The physicians filled out a self-administered questionnaire electronically consisting of demographic data (i.e., gender, main specialty, professional rank) and a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire to assess the level of satisfaction, confidence, and discharge skills.

Results

A total of 38 physicians participated in this study. Male physicians constituted the majority of the respondents (76.3%). There were no significant differences between the level of satisfaction and confidence before and after the use of the discharge checklist. However, physicians (staff physicians, fellows, and consultants) tended to agree that discharge skills are time-consuming, whereas residents were more likely to agree that the discharge checklist increased their confidence levels. Interestingly, dissatisfaction with the discharge checklist was prevalent among emergency residents.

Conclusion

No evidence suggests that physician satisfaction improved after the use of the discharge checklist. Emergency department physicians tended to exhibit dissatisfaction after they used the checklist. However, resident physicians may exhibit better confidence in new discharge methods. Prospective studies may help us measure the effects of discharge checklists over time.

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