Always let the patient know what to expect from any proceedure even if it is routine to you or should seem obvious. Ex: I may have to cut off your nose and you will not be able to sneeze for the rest of your life.

Introduce yourself in plain English to the patient and any visitors. Tell them I am Dr. Q, a sinsterkeritonologist. I specialize in toenails of the left foot.

OK serious stuff
BEFORE hospitalization or treatment let the patient know what kind of aftercare, therapy, special equipment, etc. MAY possibly be required so that possible arrangements can be made. Surprises add to stress and written material is often not read or absorbed. A nurse reading discharge instructions should be a reinforcement, not a substitute for oral instructions from the doctor.
Have the patient or care giver practice any procedure, wound care, etc. before discharge.