Patients' Understanding of Their Treatment Plans and Diagnosis at Discharge

摘要: Objective To ascertain whether patients at discharge from a municipal teaching hospital knew their diagnoses, treatment plan (names and purpose of medications), common side effects prescribed medications. Patients methods From July to October 1999, we surveyed 47 consecutive the medical service in New York City (Brooklyn, NY). were asked state either trade or generic name(s) medication(s), purpose, major effect(s), as well diagnoses. excluded if they not oriented person, place, time, unaware circumstances surrounding admission hospital, and/or did speak understand English. Results Of surveyed, 4 excluded. remaining 43 patients, 12 (27.9%) able list all medications, 16 (37.2%) recount 6 (14.0%) effect(s) 18 (41.9%) diagnosis The mean number medications was 3.89. Conclusions Less than half our study effect(s). Lacking awareness these factors affects patient's ability comply fully with plans. Whether lack communication between physician patient is actually cause unawareness Instructions this even outcome requires further study.