At Kaiser Permanente Fresno, Perioperative Services nurses know that effective discharge education is key to reducing Surgical Site Infection (SSI) rates. Traditional methods like verbal instructions and written pamphlets aren’t always enough. The goal is to ensure patients leave with a clear understanding of essential postoperative care.

Recognizing the need for ongoing improvement, the team explored evidence-based strategies to enhance patient comprehension. Literature reviews highlighted that both the method and environment significantly impact learning. This insight inspired a bold redesign: integrating digital signage into the surgical waiting room to provide patients and families with repeated, accessible exposure to vital recovery information.

In May 2025, two monitors were installed in the Surgical Recovery waiting room, displaying a visually engaging, 45-minute video loop. Topics included wound care, pain management, pneumonia, blood clot prevention, and when to seek emergency care. The nurse-driven content was designed for clarity, featuring minimal text, strong graphics, and timed slides to ensure retention.

The results were striking. Before implementation, the SSI rate in January 2025 was 0.86. By June, it dropped to 0.54 and remained significantly lower through August. This improvement aligned with CDC surveillance standards and demonstrated the power of environmental design in patient education.

Digital signage transformed the waiting room into an educational hub, reinforcing verbal and written instructions while empowering patients and families before surgery. By leveraging technology, Perioperative Services not only improved understanding but also achieved measurable reductions in infection rates, advancing Kaiser Permanente Fresno’s commitment to patient safety and quality care.