A survey of information given to head-injured patients on direct discharge from emergency departments in Scotland

Emerg Med J. 2007 May;24(5):330-2. doi: 10.1136/emj.2006.044230.

Abstract

Aim: To survey the information provided to head-injured patients on discharge from emergency departments (EDs) in Scotland.

Methods: EDs throughout Scotland were asked to supply a copy of their head injury advice pamphlet for analysis. Each pamphlet was assessed against a template and an Excel spreadsheet was created.

Results: All 30 (100%) Scottish EDs responded. The frequency with which specific features appeared varied widely, with most pamphlets concentrating on emergency features, with less emphasis on postconcussion symptoms.

Conclusions: Head injury discharge advice should be standardised throughout EDs, with more emphasis given to postconcussion features.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Child
  • Craniocerebral Trauma / therapy*
  • Emergency Service, Hospital / statistics & numerical data*
  • Health Care Surveys
  • Humans
  • Pamphlets
  • Patient Discharge / statistics & numerical data*
  • Patient Education as Topic / methods
  • Patient Education as Topic / statistics & numerical data*
  • Scotland