Preoperative education improves quality of patient care for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

A systematic review of qualitative studies: patients' experiences of preoperative communication

AIM

This article reports on a systematic review of qualitative studies on patients' experiences of preoperative communication with healthcare professionals.

BACKGROUND

Communication is critical for providing efficient care to patients. It is especially important for patients waiting for surgery, as they experience a variety of unknowns before the procedure. Through communication with healthcare professionals, patients gain a better understanding of the surgery and the issues related to their life after the surgery. Thus, the preoperative communication between healthcare professionals and patients is a significant topic for review.

DESIGN

Systematic review.

METHODS

Six electronic databases (CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase, Medline, PsycINFO and PUBMED) were systematically searched. Qualitative studies of patients' experiences before surgery were purposely selected for synthesis. Key themes and concepts were extracted and synthesised.

RESULTS

Eleven studies on patients' experiences before surgery were identified. Four main themes relating to patients' experiences of preoperative communication with healthcare professionals were identified from all 11 articles. These themes were as follows: need for information, involving relatives, need for control and healthcare professionalism.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients' experience of preoperative communication with healthcare professionals showed different needs and feelings for communication. Healthcare professionals need to have adequate knowledge, skills and positive attitudes to help patients through the journey of this critical life event.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Patients' sensitivity and their different needs for communication may contribute to future advances in the training of healthcare professionals with regard to their communication knowledge and skills. They may also affect the allocation of resources for patients waiting for surgery and educating related professionals about their knowledge and skills of communication and their attitudes. Adequate space for meeting simultaneously with patients and their relatives and extra human resources and tools for the assessment of individuals' need for communication are also required.

An investigation into the information received by patients undergoing a gastroscopy in a large teaching hospital in Ireland

The purpose of this article is to examine the information received by patients undergoing a gastroscopy. The growing number and complexity of day-case endoscopy increases the need for quality patient information. Provision of patient information reduces anxiety, increases knowledge, improves cooperation during endoscopy and increases compliance with discharge instructions. The study used a descriptive survey with convenience sampling (response rate 66%, N = 137). Patients received most of the standard procedural information (how and why the procedure is carried out), but they received considerably less sensory information (information regarding what they would hear, feel, smell, etc.). In addition, age and gender appeared to affect the amount of information received. Older patients received more procedural information than younger patients, and male patients received more information than female patients. The nurse was the main source of information. The majority of patients (>80%) received adequate information and were satisfied with the information received. Patients also received most of the information verbally on the day of the procedure rather than before admission. This study identified the need for patient information leaflets. The role of the nurse and the effect of age and gender on information provision are important considerations for healthcare professionals.

The Advanced Practice Nurse in Gastroenterology Serving as Patient Educator

The role of the advanced practice nurse is evolving in the specialty of gastroenterology, requiring flexibility and an openness to change on the part of the practitioner. The gastroenterology advanced practice nurse performs history and physical assessments, orders diagnostic studies, determines medical and nursing diagnoses, prescribes and evaluates pharmacologic and other therapeutic regimens, manages followup care, and evaluates patient outcomes. The advance practice nurse also provides patient, family, and group education and screening programs. Collaboration with other healthcare professionals; serving as a mentor and as a consultant; participating in continuing education, research and quality management; and providing professional leadership underscore the professional aspects of advance practice nurse activities. The focus of this article is the educational role of the advanced practice nurse. The body of knowledge applicable to the educational role is discussed, in addition to contributory professional activities.