1. PODS Overview
Patient-oriented Discharge Summaries (PODS) were originally developed through a group at UHN called OpenLab
OpenLab conducted a study in focused on the current effectiveness of patient discharge education
Results suggested a shift in focus for both the content and how discharge education was delivered

2. PODS Overview
Results of study revealed 5 key areas of focus for patients:
Medications
Signs and symptoms to look out for and how to respond
Changes to the patients routine
F/U appointments
Where to go for more information

3. SMH Implementation
At SMH we’ve taken the principles of PODS and implemented them through our eDischarge system
This allows us to employ consistent discharge education written in patient-friendly language
Templated information covers basic changes to the patient’s routine and warning signs following their hospital stay

4. Discharge Education
The patient discharge summary should be reviewed with the patient prior to discharge
This will give patient the opportunity to ask questions regarding the information included
End goal is to integrate with EDD process so that patient summary can be delivered prior to the day-of-discharge

5. Key Sections
Focus of templated content is “How I Might Feel” as well as “Changes to my Routine”
Reviewing this content with the patient using patient education techniques can be very valuable

6. Patient Education Key strategies for effective discharge teaching:
Start with what your patient wants to know
Focus on key messages
Use teach back

7. What is Teach-back? Proven method to improve understanding
Asks patients to repeat taught information in their own words
Put onus on the educator rather than pressure on the patient “I want to make sure I explained things correctly…”