Table 4
Desirable features included on ED pre-formatted instruction sheets
| Desirable features | Public ED (n=26) | Private ED (n=4) | Total (n=30) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Percentages shown in parentheses. | |||
| Patient's name | 20 (76.9) | 3 (75.0) | 23 (76.7) |
| Advice on the use of the instruction sheet | 13 (50.0) | 3 (75.0) | 16 (53.3) |
| Names(s) of the treating ED doctor(s) | 14 (53.9) | 4 (100) | 18 (60.0) |
| Diagnosis | 18 (69.2) | 4 (100) | 22 (73.3) |
| Expected course of the illness | 14 (53.9) | 4 (100) | 18 (60.0) |
| Potential complications of the illness | 17 (65.4) | 4 (100) | 21 (70.0) |
| Indications for returning to the ED | 21 (80.1) | 4 (100) | 25 (83.3) |
| General treatment instructions | 22 (84.6) | 3 (75.0) | 25 (83.3) |
| New medication instructions | 12 (46.2) | 1 (25.0) | 13 (43.3) |
| Usual medication instructions | 7 (26.9) | 0 (0) | 7 (23.3) |
| Name of person to review illness | 12 (46.2) | 2 (50.0) | 14 (46.7) |
| Timing for review of illness | 12 (46.2) | 3 (75.0) | 15 (50.0) |
| Signature of person providing instruction sheet | 15 (57.7) | 3 (75.0) | 18 (60.0) |
| Statement of understanding of instruction sheet | 1 (3.9) | 0 (0) | 1 (3.3) |
| Signature of person receiving instruction sheet | 2 (7.7) | 0 (0) | 2 (6.7) |
| Date and time | 11 (42.3) | 1 (25.0) | 12 (40.0) |
