“Multiple factors affect comprehension of and adherence to discharge instructions for [children with medical complexity (CMC)],” conclude authors of a systematic review. “Several areas (eg, appointments, feeding tubes) were understudied. Future work should focus on design of interventions to optimize transitions.”
Of 51 studies, “more than half were qualitative or mixed methods studies,” the researchers report. “Few interventional studies examined objective outcomes. More than half of studies examined instructions for equipment (eg, tracheostomies). Common issues related to access, care coordination, and stress/anxiety. Facilitators included accounting for family context and using health literacy-informed strategies.”