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Patients' Perspectives on Postoperative Follow-Up Calls in Day Surgery: A Qualitative Study
Mira Rajala1,2, Maria Kääriäinen1,2,3,4, Anitta Tanhua3,4
1Research Unit of Health Science and Technology, Medical Research Centre Oulu, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.
Aim:
To describe the day surgery patients' perspectives on postoperative follow-up calls.
Background:
Follow-up calls allow for providing information, advice or help managing the patient's well-being after surgery at home. They are an easily accessible way to provide support regardless of geographical location. Day surgery units often do not have a routine for systematic postoperative follow-up, and there is no research on postoperative follow-up calls from the patient's perspective.
Method:
A descriptive qualitative study was used. The data were collected in August-September 2020 through face-to-face thematic interviews with one university hospital's day surgery patients and analysed using inductive content analysis. COREQ guidelines were followed.
Results:
Thirty-one patients from various surgical specialties were interviewed. Four main categories were identified from the perspectives of postoperative follow-up calls: being able to plan the call, expected benefits to patients, expected benefits to healthcare and expected content for the follow-up calls. Patients perceived postoperative follow-up calls as necessary; it is seen to develop the treatment process and the continuity of treatment, supporting self-care and providing safety for self-care at home after surgery. Patients also suggested content areas to be considered during follow-up calls.
Conclusion:
Patients feel that maintaining contact with the surgery unit after discharge is essential. The results show that follow-up calls could be an efficient guidance and support method after day surgery. From the patient's perspective, they may allow for individual attention, potentially prevent unpleasant feelings and risks related to the disease and its treatment, support self-care and increase the continuity of care.
Relevance To Clinical Practice:
The results show that patients, regardless of age and background, are ready to receive guidance and support by telephone and know how to utilise the treatment method efficiently. The results support integrating follow-up calls as a natural part of healthcare patient guidance and support methods.
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