Recall of discharge instructions with and without computer-generated patient instructions

This study examined the effect of patient-oriented computer-generated patient instructions (CGPI) on patient recall of their nurse practitioner's (NP) instructions. Two hundred subjects from a primary care clinic were randomized to receive either the NP's usual instructions or usual instructions plus CGPI. A follow-up telephone interview took place 2-3 days later to evaluate the subjects' recall of their instructions and whether or not subjects who received the CGPI read them. Those subjects who read the CGPI were asked to evaluate it and if they did not read it they were asked why not. The results showed that recall of diagnosis and follow-up instructions improved with CGPI, but no difference exists with recall of treatment instructions. Of those subjects who received the CGPI, 72% read it and rated it favorable in all areas. On a scale of 1 to 10, overall helpfulness rated a mean of 8.3. Subjects provided mixed rational for not reading the CGPI. Therefore, the majority of subjects who received CGPI read it and rate it favorably. This can influence patient satisfaction. CGPI also can impact the recall of instructions provided by an FNP.