Expectations of Recovery after Lumbar Spine Surgery: A Quality Improvement Project to Improve Patient Satisfaction

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  • March 19, 2019
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  • Loyack, Nancy
    • Affiliation: School of Nursing
Abstract
  • Patients scheduled for lumbar spine surgery have expectations of recovery that can positively or negatively affect their post-operative surgical experience. Pre-surgical counseling that prospectively addresses expectations of recovery can help: (1) direct patient education focused on setting realistic goals; (2) personalize their healthcare experience; and (3) allow for shared decision making. A discussion of patient expectations between the patient and provider is an essential component of the pre-surgical assessment that is often overlooked. The purpose of the project was to determine patient expectations regarding lumbar spine surgery and to implement and evaluate an education program that was designed to better align patient-provider expectations, particularly those with high expectations. The project also involved evaluation of overall satisfaction with the provider and educational intervention. A descriptive cross-sectional analysis of 23 patients scheduled for lumbar spine surgery at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center in the southeast was conducted from June 11, 2015 through September 10, 2015. Using the Hospital for Special Lumbar Spine Surgery Expectations Survey, six patients with the highest expectations of recovery prior to their lumbar spine surgery were identified. An analysis of pre- and post-test expectation survey scores showed a clinically relevant change in scores after the educational intervention. Overall satisfaction with the educational intervention and provider consultation was high. Eighty-six percent of patients indicated that they were strongly satisfied with the information given and felt that the education resulted in reduced distress related to recovery after surgery. The results of this project demonstrates that although patient and provider recovery expectations may initially be discordant, conversations that impart knowledge and understanding of recovery after lumbar spine surgery can influence expectations and effect change.
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  • In Copyright
Advisor
  • Giscombe, Cheryl
  • Turner, Dennis
  • Barksdale, Debra
Degree
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice
Degree granting institution
  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Graduate School
Graduation year
  • 2015
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  • Chapel Hill, NC
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  • There are no restrictions to this item.
Date uploaded
  • January 21, 2016

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