Abstract
Patients have an important role in evaluating the health-care they receive; including the treatment they receive as well as the healthcare process. This information can be invaluable in understanding patient needs and developing a more patient centred approach to health care. As part of an RCT into the post-operative management of spinal surgery we explored patient’s experience of the health care system and their perceptions of how the system worked for them.
To date 201 patients have completed the trial; 60 receiving usual care, 37 an educational booklet, 48 rehabilitation and 56 received both booklet and rehabilitation after decompression surgery for stenosis or disc prolapse. The majority (82%) were referred to the consultant through their GP. 40% identified a specific event that led to their pain; of these 48% reported a longstanding pain and 33% noting a sudden injury. 30% waited less than a month for surgery, and 32% 1–3 months. 18% experienced surgical cancellations. The majority of patients felt well informed pre-operatively, had faith in their surgical team and had sufficient time to discuss their condition. Similarly during their operative stay they felt supported and in good hands. When questioned about their feelings on the health care process as a whole; positive patient comments included: the speed and quality of surgery and the pain relief experienced; whilst negative comments included: lack of information or advice, the delays between diagnosis and management, dissatisfaction with GP care, feeling abandoned, lack of respect from the surgeon, and disappointment with the outcome.
Conflict of Interest: None
Source of Funding: ARC
Correspondence should be addressed to: SBPR at the Royal College of Surgeons, 35–43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PE, England.
