ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The aims of the study were to measure satisfaction of patients with a spinal cord injury (SCI) with discharge teaching by nurses and to examine the relationship between their stage of learning readiness and satisfaction. DESIGN: Quasi-experimental. METHOD: Ninety-seven patients were surveyed to determine satisfaction using the Modified Client Satisfaction Tool; nurses determined the stage of learning readiness for patients with SCI using the Olinzock Model. Satisfaction scores were analyzed with ANOVA F and chi-square tests and correlated with learning readiness stage using t tests. FINDINGS: Results showed no relationship between the stage of learning readiness and satisfaction. Patients indicated satisfaction regardless of the stage of learning readiness. Those commenting "nurses don't teach" were significantly less satisfied with self-care teaching. CONCLUSION: The perception of patients with SCI of the role of the nurse as teacher influences satisfaction with discharge teaching by nurses. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Nurses may need to consider changes in their practice to help patients realize their role as teacher.
