Discharge EducationNCT07669701
QR Code-Based Discharge Education and Readiness for Hospital Discharge
A study testing QR Code-Based Discharge Education in people with Discharge Education and Patient Satisfaction, run by Ankara Yildirim Beyazıt University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
Effective discharge education is essential for patients undergoing thyroidectomy due to potential postoperative complications and the need for adequate self-care after discharge. Traditional verbal education may be insufficient because patients may forget important information after hospitalization. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and older
- Conditions the study is for
- Discharge Education, Patient Satisfaction, Thyroidectomy
- What is being tested?
- QR Code-Based Discharge Education
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 192 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 13 May 2025to 14 Aug 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 years and older
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Age ≥18 years Undergoing thyroidectomy Able to communicate in Turkish Willing to participate and provide informed consent Owns a smartphone capable of accessing QR code content
Who cannot join
- Refusal to participate Cognitive impairment preventing questionnaire completion Lack of access to a smartphone or inability to use QR code technology
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
Ankara Yildirim Beyazit Üniversitesi
Ankara, Ankara, 06010
About this study
Official title: Effect of QR Code-Based Discharge Education on Patient Satisfaction and Readiness for Hospital Discharge Following Thyroidectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Effective discharge education is essential for patients undergoing thyroidectomy due to potential postoperative complications and the need for adequate self-care after discharge. Traditional verbal education may be insufficient because patients may forget important information after hospitalization. QR code-supported educational materials provide continuous access to standardized information and may improve patient outcomes.
This study aims to evaluate the effect of QR code-based discharge education on patient satisfaction and readiness for hospital discharge among patients undergoing thyroidectomy.
A randomized controlled trial will be conducted in the endocrine surgery clinic of a tertiary hospital. Patients scheduled for thyroidectomy will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group. The control group will receive routine discharge education according to hospital procedures. In addition to routine discharge education, the intervention group will receive access to a QR code-linked educational video containing information about wound care, medication management, nutrition, potential complications, infection prevention, follow-up visits, and pain management. Data will be collected using a Patient Information Form, the Surgical Patient Discharge Education Satisfaction Scale, and the Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale-Short Form. Outcomes will be compared between groups using appropriate statistical analyses.
Read the detailed description
The thyroid gland is an essential endocrine organ responsible for regulating cellular metabolism through the secretion of thyroid hormones. Thyroid disorders are among the most common endocrine diseases worldwide and frequently require surgical intervention. Thyroidectomy is indicated for various benign and malignant thyroid conditions, including hyperthyroidism, thyroid cancer, compressive symptoms, and cosmetic concerns. Although thyroidectomy is generally considered a safe surgical procedure, patients remain at risk for postoperative complications such as hemorrhage, hematoma, hypocalcemia, recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, wound complications, infection, and pain. Therefore, adequate patient education before discharge is critical to ensure effective self-management and early recognition of complications.
Recent developments in surgical care, including Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols, emphasize the importance of patient engagement and education throughout the perioperative period. Discharge education plays a crucial role in preparing patients for self-care after hospitalization and may positively influence recovery outcomes, patient satisfaction, treatment adherence, and healthcare utilization. Traditional discharge education is commonly delivered verbally by healthcare professionals; however, patients may have difficulty retaining information because of postoperative stress, anxiety, fatigue, or limited interaction time with healthcare providers.
Digital health technologies have emerged as innovative tools to support patient education and improve access to healthcare information. QR (Quick Response) code technology allows patients to access educational materials quickly and repeatedly using their smartphones. Video-based educational content accessed through QR codes may enhance understanding and retention of information by combining visual and auditory learning methods. Furthermore, QR code-supported education enables patients to review discharge instructions whenever needed after returning home, thereby reinforcing learning and supporting self-care behaviors.
Although previous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of various educational methods, including written materials, telephone counseling, teleconferencing, and visual educational tools, evidence regarding QR code-based discharge education remains limited. Existing studies suggest that technology-assisted education may improve patient knowledge, self-care abilities, quality of life, and satisfaction with healthcare services. However, there is insufficient evidence regarding the effectiveness of QR code-supported discharge education among thyroidectomy patients.
This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effect of QR code-based discharge education on discharge readiness and satisfaction among patients undergoing thyroidectomy. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group. Both groups will receive routine discharge education according to institutional standards. In addition, participants in the intervention group will receive access to a QR code-linked educational video specifically developed for thyroidectomy patients. The educational content will include postoperative wound care, medication management, nutrition and dietary recommendations, pain management, prevention and recognition of complications, infection prevention measures, and follow-up care instructions.
Following completion of the educational intervention, participants will complete a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Surgical Patient Discharge Education Satisfaction Scale, and the Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale-Short Form. Outcomes will be compared between the intervention and control groups to determine whether QR code-supported education improves patient satisfaction and readiness for discharge.
The findings of this study are expected to contribute to the growing body of evidence regarding digital health interventions in surgical nursing practice. If proven effective, QR code-based discharge education may represent a practical, low-cost, and easily accessible educational strategy that can be integrated into routine discharge planning for thyroidectomy patients and other surgical populations.
- Conditions
- Discharge Education, Patient Satisfaction, Thyroidectomy
- Being tested
- QR Code-Based Discharge Education
- Medical subject headings
- Patient Satisfaction
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
QR Code-Based Discharge EducationOther
Participants in the intervention group will receive standard discharge education provided by clinical nurses according to hospital routine procedures. In addition, they will be given access to a QR code-linked digital educational intervention designed specifically for patients undergoing thyroidectomy.
The QR code will be provided to patients before discharge and will direct them to an offline-accessible video-based educational module. Patients will be instructed on how to scan the QR code using their smartphones. The educational video can be accessed repeatedly both during hospitalization and after discharge.
Patients will be encouraged to review the video at least once before discharge and to re-access it at home whenever needed for reinforcement of learning.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| QR Code-Based Discharge Education | Experimental | Participants will receive routine discharge education and access to a QR code-linked educational video developed for thyroidectomy patients. The video includes information regarding wound care, medication management, nutrition, postoperative complications, infection prevention, pain management, and follow-up care. Receives: Other: QR Code-Based Discharge Education |
| Control group | No intervention | Participants will receive standard discharge education routinely provided by the hospital according to institutional procedures. |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Readiness for Hospital Discharge
Comparison of discharge readiness scores between intervention and control groups.Data will be collected using the Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale-Short Form.
Measured: Within 24 hours prior to hospital discharge.
Satisfaction with Discharge Education
Comparison of satisfaction levels regarding discharge education between groups.Data will collect with Surgical Patient Discharge Education Satisfaction Scale.
Measured: Immediately after completion of the discharge education session and within 24 hours prior to hospital discharge.
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted25 Jun 2026
- Study start13 May 2025
- Primary completion14 Aug 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion14 Aug 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Discharge EducationStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Ankara Yildirim Beyazıt UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Participant
- Enrolment
- 192 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Ankara Yildirim Beyazıt University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Kübra Yılmaz, Ankara Yildirim Beyazıt University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07669701
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- QRCode-BasedDischargeEducation
- Status last verified
- Jun 2026
- First submitted
- 31 May 2026
- Last updated
- 25 Jun 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 25 Jun 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effect of QR Code-Based Discharge Education on Patient Satisfaction and Readiness for Hospital Discharge Following Thyroidectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07669701
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- QRCode-BasedDischargeEducation
- Conditions
- Discharge Education, Patient Satisfaction, Thyroidectomy
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Enrolling by invitation
- Enrolment
- 192 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Ankara Yildirim Beyazıt UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 13 May 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 14 Aug 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 14 Aug 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 25 Jun 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Effective discharge education is essential for patients undergoing thyroidectomy due to potential postoperative complications and the need for adequate self-care after discharge. Traditional verbal education may be insufficient because patients may forget important information after hospitalization. QR code-supported educational materials provide continuous access to standardized information and may improve patient outcomes.
This study aims to evaluate the effect of QR code-based discharge education on patient satisfaction and readiness for hospital discharge among patients undergoing thyroidectomy.
A randomized controlled trial will be conducted in the endocrine surgery clinic of a tertiary hospital. Patients scheduled for thyroidectomy will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group. The control group will receive routine discharge education according to hospital procedures. In addition to routine discharge education, the intervention group will receive access to a QR code-linked educational video containing information about wound care, medication management, nutrition, potential complications, infection prevention, follow-up visits, and pain management. Data will be collected using a Patient Information Form, the Surgical Patient Discharge Education Satisfaction Scale, and the Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale-Short Form. Outcomes will be compared between groups using appropriate statistical analyses.
Detailed description
The thyroid gland is an essential endocrine organ responsible for regulating cellular metabolism through the secretion of thyroid hormones. Thyroid disorders are among the most common endocrine diseases worldwide and frequently require surgical intervention. Thyroidectomy is indicated for various benign and malignant thyroid conditions, including hyperthyroidism, thyroid cancer, compressive symptoms, and cosmetic concerns. Although thyroidectomy is generally considered a safe surgical procedure, patients remain at risk for postoperative complications such as hemorrhage, hematoma, hypocalcemia, recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, wound complications, infection, and pain. Therefore, adequate patient education before discharge is critical to ensure effective self-management and early recognition of complications.
Recent developments in surgical care, including Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols, emphasize the importance of patient engagement and education throughout the perioperative period. Discharge education plays a crucial role in preparing patients for self-care after hospitalization and may positively influence recovery outcomes, patient satisfaction, treatment adherence, and healthcare utilization. Traditional discharge education is commonly delivered verbally by healthcare professionals; however, patients may have difficulty retaining information because of postoperative stress, anxiety, fatigue, or limited interaction time with healthcare providers.
Digital health technologies have emerged as innovative tools to support patient education and improve access to healthcare information. QR (Quick Response) code technology allows patients to access educational materials quickly and repeatedly using their smartphones. Video-based educational content accessed through QR codes may enhance understanding and retention of information by combining visual and auditory learning methods. Furthermore, QR code-supported education enables patients to review discharge instructions whenever needed after returning home, thereby reinforcing learning and supporting self-care behaviors.
Although previous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of various educational methods, including written materials, telephone counseling, teleconferencing, and visual educational tools, evidence regarding QR code-based discharge education remains limited. Existing studies suggest that technology-assisted education may improve patient knowledge, self-care abilities, quality of life, and satisfaction with healthcare services. However, there is insufficient evidence regarding the effectiveness of QR code-supported discharge education among thyroidectomy patients.
This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effect of QR code-based discharge education on discharge readiness and satisfaction among patients undergoing thyroidectomy. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group. Both groups will receive routine discharge education according to institutional standards. In addition, participants in the intervention group will receive access to a QR code-linked educational video specifically developed for thyroidectomy patients. The educational content will include postoperative wound care, medication management, nutrition and dietary recommendations, pain management, prevention and recognition of complications, infection prevention measures, and follow-up care instructions.
Following completion of the educational intervention, participants will complete a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Surgical Patient Discharge Education Satisfaction Scale, and the Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale-Short Form. Outcomes will be compared between the intervention and control groups to determine whether QR code-supported education improves patient satisfaction and readiness for discharge.
The findings of this study are expected to contribute to the growing body of evidence regarding digital health interventions in surgical nursing practice. If proven effective, QR code-based discharge education may represent a practical, low-cost, and easily accessible educational strategy that can be integrated into routine discharge planning for thyroidectomy patients and other surgical populations.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (participant)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| QR Code-Based Discharge Education | Experimental | Other: QR Code-Based Discharge EducationParticipants will receive routine discharge education and access to a QR code-linked educational video developed for thyroidectomy patients. The video includes information regarding wound care, medication management, nutrition, postoperative complications, infection prevention, pain management, and follow-up care. |
| Control group | No intervention | –Participants will receive standard discharge education routinely provided by the hospital according to institutional procedures. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Age ≥18 years Undergoing thyroidectomy Able to communicate in Turkish Willing to participate and provide informed consent Owns a smartphone capable of accessing QR code content
Key exclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Refusal to participate Cognitive impairment preventing questionnaire completion Lack of access to a smartphone or inability to use QR code technology
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| QR Code-Based Discharge EducationParticipants in the intervention group will receive standard discharge education provided by clinical nurses according to hospital routine procedures. In addition, they will be given access to a QR code-linked digital educational intervention designed specifically for patients undergoing thyroidectomy. The QR code will be provided to patients before discharge and will direct them to an offline-accessible video-based educational module. Patients will be instructed on how to scan the QR code using their smartphones. The educational video can be accessed repeatedly both during hospitalization and after discharge. Patients will be encouraged to review the video at least once before discharge and to re-access it at home whenever needed for reinforcement of learning. | Other | QR Code-Based Discharge Education |
Primary outcome
Readiness for Hospital Discharge
Time frame: Within 24 hours prior to hospital discharge.
Comparison of discharge readiness scores between intervention and control groups.Data will be collected using the Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale-Short Form.
Satisfaction with Discharge Education
Time frame: Immediately after completion of the discharge education session and within 24 hours prior to hospital discharge.
Comparison of satisfaction levels regarding discharge education between groups.Data will collect with Surgical Patient Discharge Education Satisfaction Scale.
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 25 Jun 2026.
Related trials for Discharge Education
Enrolling by invitation
Improving In-hospital and Post-discharge Patient Education for Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Concussion, Mild, Traumatic Brain Injury
Recruiting
The Effect of Mind Mapping-Based Education on Postoperative Pain, Kinesiophobia, and Discharge Readiness in Patients Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty
Total Knee Arthroplasty
Recruiting
AI-Simplified Discharge Summaries to Improve Patient Comprehension (ContextCare)
Patient Discharge, Health Literacy
Recruiting
COordiNated CommuNication, Education, and Care Transitions After Acute Kidney Injury (CONNECT-AKI)
Acute Kidney Injury, Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)
Recruiting
Comparison of Two Postoperative Care Strategies After Breast Surgery
Postoperative Pain, Pain Management
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing QR Code-Based Discharge Education in people with Discharge Education and Patient Satisfaction, run by Ankara Yildirim Beyazıt University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 1 inclusion and 1 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: enrolling by invitation, as of the sponsor's last update on 25 Jun 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Readiness for Hospital Discharge (time frame: Within 24 hours prior to hospital discharge.). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 25 Jun 2026.