QR Code-Based Discharge Education and Readiness for Hospital Discharge

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.