Implementing primary care in the perianesthesia setting using a relationship-based care model.

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Perioperative Care
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Nurses in the perianesthesia continuum often lack time to establish relationships or identify patient needs.
• Patient concerns expressed preoperatively are crucial for perioperative care plans but may be lost.
• Effective communication of patient needs across care transitions is vital for optimal outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement and evaluate a simple nursing intervention to improve communication of patient needs in the presurgical setting.
• To enhance the recognition and response to patient and family concerns during the surgical experience.
• To adapt a primary care nursing model for the perioperative continuum.

Main Methods:

• Three targeted questions were added to the existing preoperative nursing assessment.
• Patient and family responses regarding needs and concerns were collected.
• Information was systematically communicated to the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) nurse.

Main Results:

• Patient needs were more effectively recognized and communicated during recovery from anesthesia.
• The adapted primary care nursing model demonstrated success in addressing patient needs.
• Improved communication led to better patient care throughout the surgical experience.

Conclusions:

• A simple preoperative nursing assessment can significantly improve communication of patient needs.
• Adapting primary care nursing principles to the perioperative setting is effective.
• This model enhances patient safety and satisfaction by ensuring needs are met during recovery.