title: Implementing a standardized, evidence-based education program using the patient's electronic file for lung transplant recipients.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Patient education is crucial to guarantee that transplant recipients are capable of adequate self-management. Until recently, our education program to prepare lung transplant patients for discharge lacked a systematic approach, meaning that it was unclear whether all key information had been provided and whether the patient understood the information. A lack of coordination among the multidisciplinary team members also was apparent.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  (1) To map out a structured education program, outlining the content, process, and evaluation of education for patients before discharge after lung transplant; (2) to integrate this program into the patient's electronic file and pilot test this new form of education tracking.
  
  
  METHODS
  We used the conceptual framework of Lorig and colleagues, as well as the educational leaflets of the International Transplant Nurses Society, to generate the content of our education program. The interdisciplinary lung transplant team decided when and by whom each educational component should be provided, as well as the evaluation criteria. Next, information technology engineers integrated this educational program into the patient's electronic file. Nurses subsequently tested the program, and their feedback was integrated in the next version of the program.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Health care providers experienced a higher level of uniformity and transparency. After using the education program, most patients indicated that they felt confident to go home.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our electronic educational platform is promising, yet further testing is necessary to evaluate whether patients indeed have sufficient knowledge and show adequate self-management skills in the long term after transplant.
authors.affiliation: University Hospital, Leuven, Belgium. veronique.schaevers@uzleuven.be
authors.forename: Veronique
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Schaevers
authors.forename: Annemie
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Schoonis
authors.forename: Gerrit
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Frickx
authors.forename: Geert
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Verleden
authors.forename: Christel
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Jans
authors.forename: Chris
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Rosseel
authors.forename: Mieke
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Meelberghs
authors.forename: Inge
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Reinquin
authors.forename: Fabienne
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Dobbels
mesh_terms: D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D016040:Lung Transplantation; D016347:Medical Records Systems, Computerized; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000592:standards*; D010865:Pilot Projects