Self-care needs of cataract patients following ambulatory surgery

Cataract patients are discharged from ambulatory surgery centers soon after surgery and must be able to provide postoperative self-care at home. It is important to identify what patients perceive as their needs for self-care in order to provide the information they need in the limited time available. During the review of literature, no studies were found that looked at the needs of these patients. The Patient Learning Needs Scale, developed by Galloway et al, was used in this descriptive research study, guided by Orem's Self-Care Framework, to determine the perceived needs of patients for self-care following cataract surgery in an ambulatory surgery center. The subscales of Complications and Symptoms, followed by Medications, were the primary areas identified by cataract patients. This has implications for improving patient education, patient satisfaction, and self-care for these patients.