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Discharge information needs and symptom distress after abdominal aortic surgery
S Galloway1, D Rebeyka, M Saxe-Braithwaite
1Sunnybrook Health Science Centre, North York, ON.
Summary
Patients need information on recognizing and managing complications after abdominal aortic reconstructive surgery. Understanding these needs and symptom distress, like fatigue and pain, is crucial for effective discharge education and recovery.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Patient Recovery
- Surgical Nursing
Background:
- Abdominal aortic reconstructive surgery requires comprehensive post-operative care.
- Effective discharge planning is vital for patient recovery and complication prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the specific discharge information needs of patients post-abdominal aortic reconstructive surgery.
- To assess symptom distress experienced by these patients during recovery.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative interviews were conducted with 51 patients.
- Data collection occurred pre-discharge and 4 weeks post-discharge.
Main Results:
- Patients prioritized information on recognizing, preventing, and managing surgical complications.
- Pre-discharge, broken sleep and incisional pain were most distressing.
- Post-discharge, fatigue and broken sleep were the most significant symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Nurses require an understanding of patient information needs for effective discharge education.
- Addressing symptom distress, particularly fatigue and sleep disturbances, is key to improving recovery outcomes.
- Tailored discharge information empowers patients to manage their care post-surgery.