How patients follow hospital discharge instructions in an urban family practice.

A total of 23 patients from an urban general practice were given instructions either verbally or verbally and in writing at the time of discharge from hospital. The patients were visited two to ten days after discharge and an assessment made as to how well they followed discharge instructions. Only 43.5 percent of patients given instructions followed them completely. Five patients (23 percent) deviated seriously from the instructions.There was a significant difference between the people given instructions verbally and those given verbally and in writing, the latter group following directions more closely. Further studies are indicated to define groups that follow instructions poorly, and ways to improve communications with, and follow-up of, patients under continuing care. The Community Health Nurse's role in this type of follow-up is significant.