Partners' experiences of the postdischarge period after day surgery--a qualitative study

Day surgery shifts the responsibility of care from the hospital to patients and their families. This study explored how partners of day surgery patients experienced their role after patient discharge.

Many surgical procedures formerly requiring inpatient care are now carried out on a day surgery basis, shifting responsibility of care to patients and their partners/relatives. Little is known about how partners of day surgery patients manage this responsibility.

Qualitative descriptive.

Individual semi-structured interviews with 11 partners of day surgery patients who had undergone shoulder surgery. Systematic text condensation was used to analyse data.

The following aspects were identified: the first is 'It's all about being there for the patient by taking care of the patient's needs and by mobilising one's network,' referring to the provision of reassurance, helping with activities of daily living, facilitating information, being on the alert for adverse events and taking an average 1-4 days off work. The second is 'Contributing to society as a partner,' referring to partners' sense of citizenship resulting from being carers. Finally, prior experiences of hospitalisation and illness appeared to impinge upon partners' ways of taking on the responsibility of care.

Partners readily accepted their role as carers. This is essential for the day surgery concept to succeed.

In the light of the continuing expansion of day surgery and the ensuing transfer of care to patients and their relatives, it is important for healthcare professionals to assess relatives' capability to care for day surgery patients.