Shay-Anne Daniels1, Amanda Kelly2, Deborah Bachand3, Elizabeth Simeoni3, Christine Hall4, Scott M Hofer5, Allen Hayashi6. 1. College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada. 2. Department of Psychology, University of Victoria, 3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada. Electronic address: adkelly@uvic.ca. 3. Department of Surgical Services, Island Health, Victoria, BC, Canada. 4. Department of Emergency Medicine, Island Health, Victoria, BC, Canada. 5. Department of Psychology, University of Victoria, 3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada. 6. Division of General Surgery, Island Health, Victoria, BC, Canada.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Patient satisfaction and effective management of postoperative complaints are important factors in determining the success of outpatient surgery programs. METHODS: In September 2013, a 24-hour postdischarge telephone follow-up (TFU) call was initiated by surgical day care nurses at the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria, BC. The study group was contacted to evaluate the effectiveness of the TFU in identifying and addressing postoperative complaints and determining the level of satisfaction with discharge instructions and care. RESULTS: A total of 854 patients were contacted. Overall, 313 (36.7%) received TFU and 541 (63.3%) did not; these served as our control group. Independent sample t-tests revealed that patients who received TFU had significantly fewer postoperative complaints compared with the controls (.19 vs .28, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Day surgery patients receiving TFU reported fewer postoperative concerns. Results of this study suggest that a TFU call results in increased patient satisfaction with discharge care and is an appropriate tool to address patients' postoperative complaints and improve patient-reported outcomes.
BACKGROUND:Patient satisfaction and effective management of postoperative complaints are important factors in determining the success of outpatient surgery programs. METHODS: In September 2013, a 24-hour postdischarge telephone follow-up (TFU) call was initiated by surgical day care nurses at the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria, BC. The study group was contacted to evaluate the effectiveness of the TFU in identifying and addressing postoperative complaints and determining the level of satisfaction with discharge instructions and care. RESULTS: A total of 854 patients were contacted. Overall, 313 (36.7%) received TFU and 541 (63.3%) did not; these served as our control group. Independent sample t-tests revealed that patients who received TFU had significantly fewer postoperative complaints compared with the controls (.19 vs .28, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Day surgery patients receiving TFU reported fewer postoperative concerns. Results of this study suggest that a TFU call results in increased patient satisfaction with discharge care and is an appropriate tool to address patients' postoperative complaints and improve patient-reported outcomes.