Memorial University DAI: Informational needs of post-surgical patients following discharge

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Title	Informational needs of post-surgical patients following discharge
Author	Jacobs, Velma Mitchelmore, 1949-
Description	Thesis (M.N.)--Memorial University of Newfoundland, 1995. Nursing
Date	1995
Pagination	xii, 136 leaves : ill.
Subject	Postoperative care; Patient education
Degree	M.N.
Degree Grantor	Memorial University of Newfoundland. School of Nursing
Discipline	Nursing
Language	Eng
Notes	Bibliography: leaves 111-116.
Abstract	This study evolved from changes in the health care system resulting in early discharge of patients from hospital and the need for information by surgical patients in order to manage their care at home. Since professionals and patients often do not perceive the same priorities for teaching content, the informational needs as perceived by patients, were explored in this study. The relationship between personal and illness-related factors and informational needs was examined. Patient reports of information given and satisfaction with information were also explored. -- A questionnaire was mailed to patients who were discharged home from hospital following appendectomy, inguinal hernia repair or cholecystectomy. Data were collected using the Patient Learning Need Scale. Subjects were asked to rate each item according to how important the information was in order to manage their care at home. For each item in the scale, subjects were also asked to indicate if the information was given and, for information given, to indicate how satisfied they were with this information. Demographic and illness-related data were collected from subjects and hospital records. Analysis was completed for a sample of 45 subjects. -- Highly rated informational items for the subjects in this study were those related to physical activity, complications, wound care, pain management, elimination and guidelines for bathing. Age, education and gender were not related to total informational needs. However, subjects with a lower level of education needed more information about community resources. Type of surgical procedure, length of hospital stay, and medications were not related to total informational needs. Subjects who were discharged with a prescription for medications needed more information in two areas-medications and community resources. -- Information which was rated as important and identified as given by the subjects in this study was also reported as satisfactory. Information considered as important and reported as not given by at least 40% of the subjects related to complications, elimination and recommendations for rest and physical exercise. Approximately 30% of subjects perceived that information about pain control, prevention of complications and guidelines for bathing were not given. -- Implications for nursing practice and education include suggested content for developing teaching programs for short term surgical patients or for setting teaching priorities for patients in preparation for discharge. Areas for further research are outlined.
Type	Text
Resource Type	Electronic thesis or dissertation
Format	Image/jpeg; Application/pdf
Source	Paper copy kept in the Centre for Newfoundland Studies, Memorial University Libraries
Local Identifier	76245837
Rights	The author retains copyright ownership and moral rights in this thesis. Neither the thesis nor substantial extracts from it may be printed or otherwise reproduced without the author's permission.
Collection	Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Scanning Status	Completed
PDF File	(16.22 MB) -- http://collections.mun.ca/PDFs/theses/Jacobs_VelmaMitchelmore.pdf
CONTENTdm file name	97688.cpd