title: Improving transfer from the intensive care unit: the development, implementation and evaluation of a brochure based on Knowles' Adult Learning Theory.
abstract: This paper describes the development, implementation and evaluation of a transfer brochure for family members of patients in an intensive care unit (ICU) to improve patient transfer to a general ward. When family members fail to understand information, they respond in ways that affect patient recovery. The brochure was designed within Knowles' Adult Learning Theory framework and developed using a multidisciplinary team. A mixed design was used to collect data from families and nurses. Results indicate that the brochure helped nurses to address the individual family's issues during transfer from ICU. Furthermore, 95% of nurses (n = 33) recommended its introduction for all future transfers. Family members (n = 82) who received the brochure as part of their transfer were significantly more satisfied with all aspects of transfer than those who experienced ad hoc transfer methods (n = 80). These results provide strong support for Knowles' Adult Learning Theory as an educational foundation for adult learning.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, Meadowbrook, Queensland, Australia. marion.mitchell@griffith.edu.au
authors.forename: Marion L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Mitchell
authors.forename: Mary
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Courtney
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D032882:Comprehension; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D007858:Learning; D017145:Models, Educational; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital; D010174:Pamphlets; D010360:Patient Transfer; D011368:Professional-Family Relations; D011383:Progressive Patient Care