Helping patients plan for their recovery after surgery

The Holland Centre team is looking to help patients make a smooth transition home after surgery.

The Transition in Care Committee (TICC) launched its new initiative with a staff workshop this fall.

"It really is a team effort, to ensure patients and their families feel ready to go home," says Jan Flynn, registered nurse and TICC member. "A new pocket card checklist is a reminder for all members of the care team to assist in the planning and teaching for discharge right from post-op day 1."

With help from a member of the Late Career Nurse Initiative, the committee surveyed discharged patients to see if they felt there were gaps in learning prior to their release from hospital. Common questions revolved around pain management, swelling and mobility limitations.

An extension of the Home-in-Four initiative, careful planning for discharge early in the patient's stay ensures he or she is engaged in the process, can have information introduced and reinforced during their stay, and have time for questions.

"By planning right from post-op day 1, we streamline the teaching required for a good transition home," Jan says. "We don't want to overload patients with new information on their discharge day, when they have so much on their minds."

On discharge day, members of the care team should reinforce the use of the patient guidebook, confirm follow-up appointments and post-op classes and go over any concerns the patient or family may have. All patients can also now expect to receive a phone call within three days of their discharge to check how they are doing and answer any questions they have.