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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Susan Coleman
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Information for patients on what to expect in the post-operative period is widely regarded as being important particularly in day-surgery patients when they have limited time to discuss their concerns with clinicians. A literature search was unsuccessful in identifying a systematic attempt to develop post-operative literature and it seems that it is often drawn up with little thought for what patients want to know and is supplemented with anecdotal evidence about what happens to patients during rehabilitation. To compensate for this weakness we designed a two-part study to (i) identify key areas of patient concern and (ii) develop consensus responses for these key concerns. We used Delphi techniques to explore the area further. In the first part we devised, validated, tested and piloted a questionnaire, which was then used to identify key areas of concern for patients in the rehabilitation period following six common general surgical procedures. The key areas were: postoperative pain, wound problems, bathing, stretching and heavy exercise, return to work, driving and sex. These areas of concern were common to all patients regardless of their operation. We then used a similar technique to approach all the consultant general surgeons in the former Northern region to ask what advice they would give in each of the key areas for an idealised 'normal' patient. Whilst many surgeons fell within a broad area of agreement, there were some who differed markedly from the others even after the views of peers were taken into account. Examples of this are a range of 7-90 days before patients could undertake vigorous exercise after a hernia repair and 1-60 days for driving after a varicose vein operation.
Author(s): Bradshaw C, Pritchett C, Bryce C, Coleman S, Nattress H
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Ambulatory Surgery
Year: 1999
Volume: 7
Issue: 1
Pages: 39-44
Print publication date: 01/01/1999
ISSN (print): 0966-6532
ISSN (electronic): 1873-2097
Publisher: Elsevier
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0966-6532(98)00048-1
DOI: 10.1016/S0966-6532(98)00048-1
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