Postoperative Recovery: Experiences of Patients Who Have Undergone Orthopedic Day Surgery

Fanny Larsson,Ulrica Strömbäck,Silje Rysst Gustafsson,Åsa Engström

doi:10.1016/j.jopan.2021.10.012

Fanny Larsson, Ulrica Strömbäck + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jopan.2021.10.012

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Abstract

PurposeDay surgery is a common phenomenon and is associated with several benefits including cost-effectiveness. However, patients are required to manage their postoperative recovery at home. Patients undergoing orthopedic surgery are a particularly vulnerable group, and their postoperative recovery requires further investigation. This study aimed to describe the experiences of postoperative recovery of patients who had undergone orthopedic day surgery. DesignA qualitative and descriptive study design was used MethodsParticipants were selected purposefully and included 18 orthopedic day-surgery patients who underwent surgery in October and November 2020. Semi-structured interviews were conducted from December 2020 to February 2021. All interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. The transcribed data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis with an inductive approach. The process of analysis was done in several steps and resulted in four categories FindingsFour categories that described the postoperative recovery experiences of patients who underwent orthopedic day surgery were developed: (1) Questions arose when I got home; (2) I wanted confirmation that I was on the right path; (3) I felt lonely and dependent on others; and (4) I strove to find a balance between activity and rest ConclusionsFor most patients, there was no follow-up after day surgery. However, patients expressed a desire for confirmation that their recovery process was within the normal trajectory. Most of the recovery takes place at home, leading to feelings of loneliness and highlighting the need for support from healthcare providers and close relatives. A phone call from a nurse after surgery might offer support, reduce feelings of loneliness, and promote a sense of safety. This study highlights the importance of systematic follow-up following orthopedic day surgery.

Highlights

Four categories that described the postoperative recovery experiences of patients who underwent orthopedic day surgery were developed: (1) Questions arose when I got home; (2) I wanted confirmation that I was on the right path; (3) I felt lonely and dependent on others; and (4) I strove to find a balance between activity and rest
The participants emphasized that what they were told during the perioperative process did not include enough information about the recovery process
Patients strive to find a balance between activity and rest and want a confirmation that the process of recovery is within the normal trajectory

Summary

Introduction

In many European countries and in North America, more than half of all elective surgeries are performed as day surgery.[1]. In Sweden, 80 percent of elective surgeries are performed in a day-surgery context.[2-4]. One commonly used definition of day surgery is that the patient is admitted and discharged from hospital the same day or within 24 hours of surgery.[5-7]. Day surgery has several benefits compared to Conflict of Interest: There is no conflict of interest to report. To ensure a proper recovery, patients undergoing day surgery need information about the normal trajectory of recovery and about self-care.[7]. To promote recovery in patients who have undergone day surgery, all information provided as part of the perioperative process must be thorough as well as understandable to the patient and their immediate family.[11]

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