Document Type
DNP Project
Publication Date
2026
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Faculty Advisor
Sue Penque, PhD, ANP-BC, NE-BC, NC-C, TOC
Practice Mentor
Ellenmary Winter, BSN, RN, CASC
Abstract
Background
Effective postoperative discharge communication is essential in ambulatory surgery centers, where short recovery periods and rapid patient turnover increase the risk of misunderstanding postoperative care instructions. Inconsistent delivery of discharge education may contribute to decreased patient satisfaction and reduced adherence to postoperative plans. Project Goals
The goals of this DNP quality improvement project were to: (1) implement standardized dual-format postoperative instructions using written and verbal education reinforced with the teach-back method, and (2) improve patient satisfaction and confidence in understanding postoperative care instructions. Methods
Following IRB exempt approval on September 10, 2025, implementation occurred from November 20,2025 to February 20, 2026. The intervention was discussed with the administrator of the facility and then directed to the head PACU nurse. Patients received standardized written and verbal discharge instructions and completed satisfaction surveys in the language of their choice, English or Spanish. Midway through implementation, data collection was modified from at-home QR code completion to onsite survey completion during postoperative recovery. Results
A total of N-32 postoperative patients completed surveys. Most participants received both written and verbal instructions (65.6%). Teach-back was utilized in 56.2% of encounters. Patient outcomes demonstrated high confidence (90.6% very confident) and satisfaction (84.4% very satisfied) with postoperative instruction delivery.
Conclusion
Standardized dual-format discharge education was feasible and associated with improved patient-reported outcomes. Workflow integration was essential to implementation success, supporting continued use and sustainability of structed discharge education practices.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-Share Alike 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Shelby, G. (2026). Enhancing postoperative outcomes: The impact of instruction format on patient satisfaction in ambulatory surgery. An evidence-based quality improvement project [Unpublished DNP project]. Sacred Heart University.
Comments
A DNP project submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Nursing Practice, Sacred Heart University Davis & Henley College of Nursing