Pre-operative information nurses communicate to patients undergoing general surgery.

Abstract

The study was conducted at the University Teaching Hospital, Department of Surgery. The main aim of the study was to determine the extent to which nurses communicate pre-operative information to patients undergoing general surgery.Literature reviewed was based on communication in nursing particularly information giving and nurse-patient interaction. This is descriptive research. Data were collected from forty C+0) patients who had undergone general surgery through interviews. The results of the study revealed that nurse-patient interaction especially sharing of information was lacking. The majority of patients are given very little or no information at all in relation to their illnesses, pre-operative procedures/investigations and post-operative experiences. Very few patients were given the opportunity to ask questions about their illnesses and treatments. It was also found that in most instances the doctor provided information, which highlights how nurses keep a low profile in terms of providing patients with information.

In fact much of the information obtained makes the study important to the nurses, therefore suggested readings have been selected to provide the reader with sources as indicated in the bibliography. It is hoped that the reader will be provided with an insight into the role of the nurse in information giving which enhances psychological preparation of the surgical patient. Lastly, the nurse should realise that information-giving is an integral part of comprehensive nursing care.