Strength of the Literature Review The selected studies were well designed and executed providing strong levels of evidence ranging from level II randomized control trials to level IV non-experimental studies. The literature review identified the need for patient educators to adopt practice changes that provide the most effective discharge education for their patients. The studies summarized …show more content…
For example, Utriyaprasit et al. (2010) evaluated the Thai population and their experience with audiotape information offered during discharge. Similar results may not be relevant across cultures. One culture’s response to an intervention may not necessarily be replicated in another. Therefore, careful interpretation should be exercised when considering application to practice. Another study conducted by Ramya and Andrews (2012) was performed in New Delhi, India, in which the effectiveness of discharge counseling was evaluated for heart valve patients. Cultural beliefs may influence behavioral change and self-care attitudes. Thus, caution should be exercised when appraising the validity and reliability of these …show more content…
Educational interventions provide patients with a better understanding to effectively manage their post-operative recovery. The literature review presented offers suggestions to support a successful discharge from the acute care setting to home which may apply to the cardiac surgery patient population. Findings throughout the studies suggest to effectively influence changes in patient outcomes; patient education should be patient-centered and individualized in comparison to commonly performed standardized patient education. Implementation of evidence-based methods utilizing teach-back to close the communication loop were highly effective in evaluating patient comprehension (Jager & Wynia, 2012). The tools used by nurses in delivering education influenced patient outcomes. Providing patients with multi-media further reinforces educational concepts and improves patient’s comprehension (Fredericks, Guruge, Sidani, & Wan, 2010; Utriyaprasit et al., 2010;). Face to face discussion, written resources, and audio-visual material were mediums in which this information was communicated. Audiotaped information was found to improve knowledge of self-care behaviors and retention of postoperative information after discharge (Utriyaprasit et al., 2010). These common findings regarding elements of educational interventions may be applied in practice when transitioning from hospital to