Effect of Teach-Back-Based Discharge Education in Lower Extremity Surgery Patients

Overview

This study aims to determine the effect of discharge education based on the Teach-Back method on patients' learning needs and readiness for hospital discharge following lower extremity surgery. Lower extremity surgeries are associated with pain, limited mobility, and decreased self-care ability, which may negatively affect recovery and quality of life. Effective discharge education is therefore essential to support postoperative recovery and continuity of care. This randomized controlled experimental study will be conducted with patients undergoing lower extremity surgery in an orthopedic clinic. Participants will be randomly assigned to an intervention group receiving Teach-Back-based discharge education and a control group receiving routine discharge education. Data will be collected at three time points (before the intervention, at discharge, and 15 days after discharge) using standardized instruments, including the Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale-Short Form and the Patient Learning Needs Scale. The findings of this study are expected to contribute to improving discharge education practices, enhancing patient readiness for discharge, and reducing postoperative complications and unmet educational needs.

Lower extremity surgeries, including procedures such as fracture repair, arthroplasty, and arthroscopy, are commonly performed interventions that may lead to postoperative pain, limited mobility, and decreased functional capacity. These factors can negatively affect patients' self-care ability, recovery process, and overall quality of life. Effective discharge planning and patient education are therefore essential components of postoperative care, particularly in ensuring continuity of care and preventing complications after discharge. The Teach-Back method is an evidence-based educational approach that involves asking patients to explain the information provided to them in their own words. This method enhances patient understanding, improves adherence to treatment plans, and reduces the risk of errors and complications. It also allows healthcare professionals to assess comprehension and provide additional clarification when needed. This study is designed as a randomized controlled experimental study to evaluate the effect of Teach-Back-based discharge education on patients undergoing lower extremity surgery. The study will be conducted in the orthopedic clinic of a state hospital. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group or the control group using block randomization to ensure balanced group allocation. Patients in the intervention group will receive structured discharge education based on the Teach-Back method, which includes explanations of postoperative care, medication use, pain management, wound care, mobility and exercise, prevention of complications such as thrombosis and infection, nutrition, and home care needs. Patients will be encouraged to repeat the information in their own words, and any misunderstandings will be corrected through re-education and reassessment. The control group will receive routine discharge education provided in the clinical setting. Data will be collected at three time points: before the intervention (baseline), at the time of discharge, and 15 days after discharge during outpatient follow-up. Data collection tools include a Patient Information Form, the Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale-Short Form, the Patient Learning Needs Scale (PLNS), and an Education Evaluation Form. The primary outcomes of the study are patients' readiness for discharge and learning needs. Secondary outcomes include knowledge retention, complication awareness, and potential hospital readmission or adverse events during the follow-up period. The findings of this study are expected to contribute to the development of effective, patient-centered discharge education strategies and to improve postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing lower extremity surgery.