Satisfaction Understanding of Patients and Relatives in Emergency Room

Patients' comprehension in the emergency department (ED) is relatively low. This is more evident for in-patients with more complex diseases. The preliminary study conducted suggests that patients' comprehension was improved by the use of standardized information and by opening a dialogue. This study however had its limits. It does not deliver proper information guideline to physicians working in the ED.

This study is reproduced on a larger scale for in-patients in the ED concerning their comprehension about the medical information given and thus improving the scientific evidence. This study has been conducted on a national level in 2 phases with 14 investigating centers spread in Paris and other provinces:

First, an observational period was conducted during 2 weeks in each center in order to document their homogeneity. At the same time, this period permitted to have a reference level of comprehension. During this period, investigators continued to give medical information to their patients as usual. The aim is to adjust the results of the comprehensions levels in 2 groups after the experimental study on the "baseline" data.

Second, an experimental period of 4 weeks: 7 centers are identified as "formal procedure group" and their investigators are provided with formal procedures on the patient's comprehension in the ED based on updated literature data. At the same time, recommendations are given on the information given to patients. 7 other centers "control group" only formal presentation on the patient's comprehension in the ED on updated literature data.

According to the center where the patient is included, he will be either in the "formal procedure group" or the "control group".