July 27, 2011 Elizabeth Wood Science Internship Program for Nursing

1. How do Families of Surgical Patients Perceive Communication of their Family Members’ Surgical Status? July 27, 2011 Elizabeth Wood Science Internship Program for Nursing

2. Background • Communication between nurses and family members throughout the Perioperative process impacts the patient experience • Effective communication can relieve anxiety and improve the experience for patients and families • Data suggests that communication, especially from a nurse, is the factor most highly correlated with a positive healthcare experience

3. Purpose • The purpose of this study was to enhance the communication processes between nurses and family members before and after surgery

4. Methodology • The study was approved by the Cleveland Clinic IRB • Patients and families were provided information sheets about the survey on the day of surgery • Random sampling of all surgical patients with family members present. This study excluded: ophthalmology, pediatric and intensive care patients. • After obtaining informed consent, the family member was interviewed in a private consult room by one of the investigators following their visit with the patient

5. Methodology • Data regarding the patients’ length of stay was collected • To protect confidentiality all documents were coded and securely maintained • Quantitative data was analyzed with descriptive statistics. Researchers worked as a team to analyze qualitative data, identifying the most common categories in participants responses

6. Demographic Data All data and percentages are taken from a surveyed group of 43 family members.

7. Data Areas Identified for Improvement Areas Identified for Improvement Areas Identified for Improvement Areas Identified for Improvement Areas Identified for Improvement Areas Identified for Improvement

8. Results Perception of Information Communication by Nurses • 98% of the surveyed family members felt well informed • Mean satisfaction score regarding communication was a 7.5 out of 10

9. Family Member Quotations • “I wish a team member or nurse came to inform us.” • “I think it was pretty pleasant.” • “When I saw ‘blue’ on the Optime board, I got anxious to hear something.” • “It was a really good experience.” • “PACU was a little too long and uninformed.” • “I thought a nurse would talk to me- I’m a nurse.” • “I felt like I could leave this area.”

10. Conclusions • The family members perception of communication was overall satisfactory • The survey gave family members an opportunity to discuss other information that would improve the overall experience • The Department of Surgical Services current communication system proved to be effective for the majority of those surveyed

11. Conclusions • Family members expressed satisfaction when utilizing the Optime board and the waiting room pagers • Communication was perceived as effective regardless of the informant

12. Implications • Further education of all staff on effective communication techniques • Report the information received from family members to the appropriate departments to improve overall experience • Increase the consistency of the information provided to family members • Ensure the accuracy of information provided to family members • Improve the scores of family satisfaction with nurse communication

13. Recommendations • Continue the study to increase the sample size • Clarify the primary subject of the study • Provide a more convenient location for the interview to decrease time away from their family • Conduct a comparative study with Perioperative Units in other hospitals

14. Acknowledgements • My family • My Mentors • The Office of Cleveland Clinic Civic Initiatives

15. Sources • Fowlie, P., Francis, & H., Russell, S. (2000). A perioperative communication link with families: The surgical liaison nurse. The Canadian Nurse, 96. • Leske, J. (1996). Intraoperative progress reports decrease family members’ anxiety. AORN Journal, 64. • Majasaari, H., Sarajarvi, A., Koskinen H., Autere, S., & Paavilainen, E. (2005). Patients’ perceptions of emotional support and information provided to family members. Association of Operating Room Nurses Journal. 81(5), 1030-1039. • Raleigh, E., Lepczyk, M., & Rowley, C. (1990). Significant other benefit from preoperative information. Journal of Advanced Nursing. 15(8), 941-945. • Stefan, K. (2010). The nurse liaison in perioperative services: A family-centered approach. AORN Journal, 92, 150-157. doi: 10.1016/11.070 • Topp, R., Walsh, E., & Sanford, C. (1998). Can providing paging devices relieve waiting room anxiety?. AORN Journal, 67.