Caregiver’s Recall of Stroke Discharge Education Exceeds Patients and Is Associated With Greater Satisfaction

Abstract

Stroke survivors and their caregivers report not receiving enough information at discharge. To identify strengths and weaknesses of stroke discharge education, we delivered questionnaires that assessed patient and caregiver recall, perceived utility, and satisfaction at discharge as well as 1- and 3-month follow-up. Categorical data of responses were compared between time periods using Fischer exact test. Recall significantly differed between discharge (86%) and 1-month follow-up (54%, P < .05), but not discharge and 3-month follow-up (69%). Patient perceived utility at both 1 month (69%) and 3 months (64%) was lower than at discharge (92%, P < .05). Patient satisfaction was lower at 1 month (69%) and 3 months (54%) than discharge (92%, P < .05). Caregiver recall declined from discharge (81%) to 1 month (65%) but improved from 1 to 3 months (82%, P < .05). Caregiver satisfaction and perceived utility remained positive through the study. The results suggest stroke patients and their caregivers suffer from education recall failure over time that is associated with worse satisfaction and perceived utility by patients. Reinforcement at 1 month may improve caregiver recall. We conclude that education for caregivers may be more reliably reinforced, suggesting a role in continued patient education.