Comprehension and compliance with discharge instructions among pediatric caregivers

Abstract

BackgroundGood comprehension and compliance with the discharge instructions are vital to the patient for effective care of their own health at home. This study planned to assess the prevalence of non-comprehension and non-compliance with discharge instructions among caregivers of pediatric patients. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in the pediatric department of Christian Medical College & Hospital, Punjab, India, from January 2022 to May 2022. For assessment of comprehension, a face-to-face interview was conducted with caregivers at the time of discharge from the hospital, and compliance was assessed while the patient appeared for a follow-up visit. English/Hindi or Punjabi speaking primary caregivers of children aged ≤12 years and discharged from the hospital with more than 1 medication were eligible to include in this study. ResultsA total of 100 caregivers of pediatric patients were recruited in the study. The majority of patients (62%) were females. The mean (±SD) age of patients was 4.6 (±5.5) years and the mean (±SD) age of caregivers were 32 (±6.4) years. The majority (78%) of caregivers were mothers. The prevalence of non-comprehension for medications, diet and follow-up plans were 27%, 9.3%, and 4% respectively, while the prevalence of noncompliance with medications, diet, and follow-up plans were 70%, 15%, and 14% respectively. ConclusionNon-comprehension and non-compliance with discharge instruction was prevalent among caregivers of pediatric patients. Various measures need to be taken by healthcare professionals to improve comprehension and compliance among caregivers.