Patients Education During Discharge After a Major Surgery

Introduction

General surgery patients may experience postoperative problems from surgical procedures such as bleeding, surgical site infection, and gastrointestinal disorders. Patients must get education on self-care, information about the surgery, and measures to prevent postoperative problems after being released from the hospital. This is important because it may help patients. It is believed that 50 percent of hospital readmissions might be avoided with better postoperative care and monitoring. Postoperative self-care management is frequently modified because of pain, exhaustion, and the presence of a surgical wound. Discharge education is essential for post-operative patients to foster their capacity to follow self-care guidelines and reclaim their independence, which will improve their recovery. The primary goal of educating patients is to inform patients about self-care after release from the hospital. Proper pain management, self-care, and patient education are expected during discharge after major surgery.

What to Expect During Discharge After a Major Surgery?

The recovery process after major surgery varies from person to person and depends on several factors, such as the type of surgery, the patient's age and health, and the overall success of the operation. However, there are some common things that most patients can expect during their discharge from the hospital.

• Firstly, it is important to note that the hospital staff will provide patients with detailed instructions on how to take care of themselves after they leave the hospital. These instructions will include information on medication dosages and schedules, wound care, and activity restrictions.

• It is crucial to follow these instructions carefully to ensure a successful recovery.

• Upon discharge, patients may also receive a prescription for pain medication to help manage any discomfort they may experience during their recovery. These medications should be taken as prescribed and not discontinued without consulting with a healthcare provider.

• Patients may also need to attend follow-up appointments with their surgeon or primary care physician after discharge. These appointments will be used to monitor the patient's progress and make any necessary adjustments to their recovery plan.

• It is common for patients to experience fatigue and weakness after major surgery.

• Patients should listen to their bodies and take breaks as needed during their recovery. It is also important to gradually increase physical activity over time to avoid overexertion and injury.

• Depending on the surgery, patients may also need to make modifications to their diet or lifestyle. For example, patients who have had gastrointestinal surgery may need to follow a specific diet to help their digestive system recover.

• Similarly, patients who have had joint replacement surgery may need to avoid certain activities or use assistive devices, such as a cane or walker, to avoid putting excess strain on the affected joint.

How Should Postoperative Care Be Managed Following a Major Surgery?

Post-operative care is crucial to prevent complications and ensure a successful recovery after surgery. The following are some essential post-operative care measures that can help after surgery:

• Follow the Discharge Instructions - The healthcare provider will provide detailed instructions on medication management, wound care, and activity restrictions after surgery. Following these instructions carefully can help prevent complications and speed up recovery.

• Pain Management - Pain can be a significant barrier to recovery. Therefore, patients should take pain medication as prescribed and communicate with their healthcare provider if the medication is not effective or causes unwanted side effects.

• Keeping Surgical Site Clean and Dry - Patients should keep the surgical site clean and dry to prevent infection. If the wound is covered with a dressing, patients should follow the healthcare provider's instructions on changing the dressing and keeping the area clean.

• Stay Hydrated - Proper nutrition and hydration are essential for healing and preventing complications.

• Eating Balanced Diet - Patients should eat a balanced diet and drink plenty of fluids unless advised otherwise by their healthcare provider.

• Avoid Exertion - Patients should avoid overexertion and gradually increase activity as advised by their healthcare provider. This can help prevent complications such as blood clots and pneumonia.

• Attend Follow-up Appointments - Follow-up appointments with the healthcare provider are essential to monitor recovery and address any concerns. Patients should attend these appointments and follow the healthcare provider's recommendations.

• Avoid Complications - Patients should be aware of the signs of complications such as fever, persistent pain, redness and swelling around the surgical site, and difficulty breathing. If they experience any concerning symptoms, they should seek medical attention immediately.

How Is Discharge Education Delivered to Patients?

The patients can be educated in the following ways:

• The majority of patients are educated verbally.

• The patients can also be educated through group discussions with family members.

• The patients can be also educated through educational materials such as a booklet or folder of information resources as an adjunct to the verbal instructions.

• Visual modes of discharge education such as pictures and models can be used.

• Nurses play an important role in conveying information to patients.

• Patients preferred the information to be printed, self-explanatory, to the point, and easy to understand.

• Physician discharge education had a strong influence on patients’ decisions and advice given in relation to analgesic use and resuming normal activities was adhered to by patients to avoid any postoperative complications.

• Patient participation in self-care also improves the results of the recovery. The patients can ask questions by clarifying information and undertaking decision-making for their self-care.

• Effective communication between patients and healthcare professionals is essential to effective discharge planning and post-operative care.

• Discharge education delivered to patients at different time points and the frequency of discharge sessions has an impact on patients’ understanding of discharge education delivered. The timing of education delivery is crucial for patients to get the most benefit.

Conclusion:

Post-operative care is critical to prevent complications and ensure a successful recovery after surgery. The presentation, timing, and frequency of discharge education were important aspects in conveying the information. By following the healthcare provider's instructions, managing pain, keeping the surgical site clean, eating a healthy diet, increasing activity gradually, attending follow-up appointments, and knowing the signs of complications, patients can reduce the risk of discharge after surgery. Discharge after major surgery can be a challenging time for patients, but with proper care and attention, most patients can expect a successful recovery.