The Head, Neck and Thoracic Surgical Unit at Rush University Medical Center provides care to patients recovering from complex, life-altering procedures. When patients are discharged from the unit, it marks the beginning of a new reality that requires significant education and skill development. Nursing plays a critical role in preparing patients for a safe transition home.
Although the principle “education begins at admission” is widely accepted, staff found it difficult to implement consistently. Often, education updates were missing from handoffs, which left the discharge nurse responsible for completing comprehensive teaching on the patient’s discharge day. This often resulted in rushed and stressful interactions for both patients and nurses.
To address this, nurses initially created a laminated tracking tool to monitor education progress. However, inconsistent use limited its impact. Recognizing the need for a standardized approach, the unit advisory council recommended embedding education into the existing IPASS handoff tool. This integration ensured education topics were reviewed at every shift change, promoting accountability and continuity.
Working with leadership, nurses developed an IPASS dot phrase listing essential discharge topics. The admitting nurse adds the phrase at admission, and subsequent nurses update progress using a dropdown menu and brief notes. This workflow transformed education from an optional task to a required component of handoff.
By integrating education into daily practice, the unit improved the timeliness, consistency and quality of discharge preparation. This initiative demonstrates nursing leadership in collaboration and patient advocacy, ensuring patients leave the hospital equipped for success.