New Tool Helps Improve Patients’ Transition Home
by Maryanne Matthews
With PODS, patients receive a set of clear and easy-to-understand instructions upon discharge including when to take their medication, what symptoms to be concerned about, and when to see their doctor next. A new tool at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre is improving the discharge process and helping patients better manage their post-hospital care.
The Patient Oriented Discharge Summary (PODS) was co-developed by patients and health care providers and applies best practices in design and adult learning. Patients receive a set of clear and easy-to-understand instructions upon discharge including when to take their medication, what symptoms to be concerned about, and when to see their doctor next.
“We know that some patients and their families can be anxious about their condition and how they will manage at home,” said Ron Turner, Senior Director of Patient Services. “PODS supports patients as they transition home, improving their confidence and overall experience. It’s a great tool that builds upon on our Patient and Family Centred Care Philosophy.”
Implementation of PODS results in improved discharge processes, increased patient satisfaction, increased understanding and adherence to discharge.
Our Hospital is one of 27 hospitals across Ontario to adopt PODS with support from ARTIC (Adopting Research to Improve Care), a joint program of the Council of Academic Hospitals of Ontario and Health Quality Ontario. It was designed in collaboration with University Health Network’s OpenLab – a design and innovation group dedicated to finding creative health care solutions.
To learn more about PODS, visit www.hqontario.ca. To learn more about patient focused care at our Hospital, visit www.tbrhsc.net.
