Abstract
Introduction
This study compared the effectiveness of comic-based with text-based concussion discharge
instructions on improving caregiver knowledge. This study also examined the role of
social determinants of health on comprehension instructions.
Methods
This was an observational study of the caregivers of pediatric concussion patients.
Caregivers' health literacy and demographics related socioeconomic factors were obtained.
After the patients’ evaluation in the emergency department, caregivers were given
printed comic-based concussion discharge instructions. Caregivers were contacted 3 days
later and tested overall knowledge of discharge instructions’ content. These survey
results were compared with historical controls who received text-based instructions.
Results
A total of 120 participants were recruited, and 86 participants completed follow-up
procedures. When comparing the caregivers’ recall ability with a comic-based vs traditional
text-based instructions, caregivers with comic-based content were more likely to accurately
recall overall discharge instructions (77.5% vs 44%, P < .001), particularly physical rest and activity restrictions (86.5% vs 63%, P < .001). Caregivers also were less likely to misidentify a red flag symptom (7.5%
vs 19%, P < .04). Comic-based instructions did not increase recall of cognitive rest instructions
or postconcussive symptoms. When examining demographic factors, caregivers who could
not recall 3 postconcussive symptoms were more likely to be Hispanic or Black, less
likely to be college educated, and more likely to have low health literacy.
Discussion
Novel methods should be explored to adequately prepare caregivers for continuing postconcussive
care at home. Discharge instructions must be tailored to address caregivers’ baseline
health literacy and how caregivers digest and retain information.
Key words
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Biography
Tom N. Pham is Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics (Emergency Medicine), University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX.
Biography
Andrea K. Morrison is Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics (Emergency Medicine), Medical College of Wisconsin, Wauwatosa, WI.
Biography
Michael S. Menard is Family Medicine Physician, Aurora Family Medicine, Aurora, OH.
Biography
Deborah Martinez is Registered Nurse, Urgent Care, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, Wauwatosa, WI.
Biography
Danny G. Thomas is Professor, Department of Pediatrics (Emergency Medicine), Medical College of Wisconsin, Wauwatosa, WI. ORCID identifier: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7470-9835.
Article info
Publication history
Published online: January 03, 2023
Identification
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© 2022 Emergency Nurses Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
