Examining the Effectiveness and Implementation of a Patient-Managed Discharge Communication Tool: A Mixed Methods Hybrid Type 1 Design Study

In 2021-22 there were more than 14 million unscheduled emergency department (ED) visits reported in Canada. Discharge communication is very common in EDs as most patients (>89%) are discharged home at the end of their visit. Poor quality discharge communication can negatively impact patient experience, resulting in a lack of understanding of important information shared during the visit and unnecessary return visits to the ED. Using technology to deliver information to patients and caregivers can improve their recall and understanding of important information about the patient's health condition and follow up instructions. The proposed project will test the impact of a co-designed, web-based patient-managed discharge communication e-tool on patients, healthcare providers and the healthcare system. The tool will be evaluated in EDs in 4 provinces in Canada and will be available to pediatric and adult patients and their caregiver or support person.