Evaluation of the patient is a crucial step in bringing about effective change in healthcare settings. In the context of surgical patients, it is important to assess their level of satisfaction and understanding of the care they received. This can be achieved through the use of surveys, which enable healthcare providers to gather valuable feedback from patients.
Currently, our hospital conducts post-operative surveys for all patients. These surveys involve contacting the patient on the next business day after surgery and conducting a brief verbal interview. However, it is necessary to enhance the survey process for patients who undergo procedures that are expected to result in pain and require post-operative medications. This is because the experience and satisfaction levels of these patients may differ from those who do not require such interventions.
To address this issue, we propose introducing new surveys specifically designed for patients receiving pain medication post-operatively. These surveys will include additional questions to assess their satisfaction levels with pain management. Patients will be asked to rate their satisfaction with pain control in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) on a scale of one to ten. They will also be asked to indicate their current level of pain at home and to rate their satisfaction with their post-operative pain management at home, taking into account the effectiveness of their current medication.
Furthermore, it is important to assess patients’ understanding of their medication instructions and their compliance with them. Therefore, the new surveys will include questions aimed at determining if patients are aware of when to take two pills in a prescription that states “one to two pill, every four to six hours”. This is important to ensure patients are knowledgeable about their medication regimen and are taking the appropriate dosage at the correct intervals.
In addition to medication usage, it is also important to inquire about the proper disposal of any leftover medications after surgery. Patients will be asked about the amount of medication they have remaining, as well as their current storage practices for pain medications in their homes. This information is critical for promoting safe and responsible use of medications and preventing potential misuse or abuse.
By incorporating these additional questions into the post-operative surveys, we will be able to gather valuable data on patients’ understanding of their care and their satisfaction with pain management. The answers to these questions will be compiled daily to create a comprehensive record of patients’ perceptions and experiences. This will enable us to identify any gaps in patient education or areas for improvement in pain management protocols.
Moreover, compiling these survey results on a monthly basis will provide us with an overview of patient satisfaction trends over time. This will allow us to track the effectiveness of any interventions or changes implemented based on the feedback received. It will also enable us to assess the impact of these changes on patient outcomes and overall satisfaction.
In conclusion, evaluating patients through surveys is a key component of effective change in healthcare settings. By enhancing our current survey process to include targeted questions for surgical patients receiving pain medication, we will be able to gather valuable insights into patient satisfaction and understanding of their care. This data will inform future improvements in pain management and patient education, ultimately enhancing the overall patient experience.
