A survey of information given to head-injured patients on direct discharge from emergency departments in Scotland.
OBJECTIVE
To survey the information provided to head-injured patients on discharge from emergency departments (EDs) in Scotland.


METHODS
EDs throughout Scotland were asked to supply a copy of their head injury advice pamphlet for analysis. Each pamphlet was assessed against a template and an Excel spreadsheet was created.


RESULTS
All 30 (100%) Scottish EDs responded. The frequency with which specific features appeared varied widely, with most pamphlets concentrating on emergency features, with less emphasis on postconcussion symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
Head injury discharge advice should be standardised throughout EDs, with more emphasis given to postconcussion features.
Kerr
Jacques
J
Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK. jacques.kerr@luht.scot.nhs.uk
Swann
Ian J
IJ
Pentland
Brian
B
D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D006259:Craniocerebral Trauma / Q000628:therapy*; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D010174:Pamphlets; D010351:Patient Discharge / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012606:Scotland