Abstract
Purpose of Study/Background
To identify whether patients were satisfied with the overall educational component of the specialist nurse (CNS)/occupational therapist (OT) led pre-operative assessment clinic in order to identify areas which required improvement.
The pre-operative specialist nurse led clinic was set up in 2002. The aim was to provide high quality information to patients undergoing elective spinal surgery in order to manage expectations and optimise post-operative recovery. Initially the clinic was specialist nurse led however, in 2006 occupational therapy input was introduced in order to provide an increased depth of information in regard to function and activities of daily living post operatively. In addition this has allowed assistive equipment to be provided pre-operatively. The format of this clinic has enhanced the patient's journey by facilitating reduced length of stay and more timely discharge.
Methodology
A questionnaire was forwarded to a random sample of two hundred patients who attended for pre-operative assessment in the twelve-month period between April 2014 & March 2015. Sixty questionnaires were returned (30% response rate).
Results/Summary
Patients were asked 17 questions in total, 3 general, 6 regarding CNS and 8 regarding OT. The responses were rated ‘very good’; ‘good’ ‘average; ‘poor’. In the returned audits no ‘poor’ responses were recorded.
Clarity of information given: Very Good-56%; Good-39%; Average-5%.
Overall experience of pre-operative assessment: Very Good-66%; Good- 32%; Average-2%.
Advice given by OT: Very Good-82%; Good-16%; Average-2%
Information given by CNS: Very Good-75%; Good-23%; Average-2%
Conclusions
The results indicate that the OT and CNS specialist education sessions are considered valuable by patients. We believe that we have achieved this through good team-working in a multidisciplinary setting. Patients who attend these clinics are often anxious regarding surgery, have un-realistic expectations in relation to what to expect post-operatively. A significant number of our patients are elderly and have multiple pathologies which we take into account. The education sessions link into our patient information leaflets which, expand on this allowing patients to clarify matters and ask questions.
No Conflicts of Interest
No Funding Obtained
