Editorial Commentary: Consider Using Artificial Intelligence to Revise Your Discharge Instructions Because It Improves Readability and Understandability, and It's Free.

Abstract

Written discharge instructions are ubiquitous in surgical practice, and the readability and understandability of instructions have been shown to significantly impact postoperative outcomes. However, most instructions are written at a reading level far higher than recommended. Artificial intelligence can now be used to revise our existing instructions, with measurable improvements in quality and utility. Applying artificial intelligence to this type of real-world practice issue provides an excellent example of how technology can be used to advance patient outcomes in unexpected ways.