Canadian journal of anaesthesia = Journal canadien d'anesthésie
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The use of patient/family-centred written summaries to supplement verbal information may be useful to improve knowledge and reduce anxiety related to patient transfer from the intensive care unit (ICU) to a hospital ward. We aimed to identify essential elements to include in an ICU-specific patient-oriented discharge summary tool (PODS-ICU). ⋯ We identified informational gaps in patient and family knowledge at the time of transfer from the ICU to a ward, which informed essential elements for the PODS-ICU. The PODS-ICU may reduce transfer anxiety and improve care during the transition from the ICU.