'Like a trip to McDonalds': A grounded theory study of patient experiences of day surgery

Mottram, A

Abstract

Background: The amount and complexity of (ambulatory) day surgery is rapidly expanding internationally. Nurses have a responsibility to provide quality care for day surgery patients. To do this they must understand all aspects of the patient experience. There is dearth of research into day surgery using a sociological frame of reference.
Objective: The study investigated patients’ experiences of day surgery using a sociological frame of reference.
Design: A qualitative study using the Grounded Theory approach was used.
Setting: The study was based in two day surgery units in two urban public hospitals in the United Kingdom.
Participants: 145 patients aged 18-70 years and 100 carers were purposely selected from the orthopaedic, ear nose and throat and general surgical lists. They were all English speaking and were of varied socio-economic background.
Methods: The data was collected from 2004-2006. Semi-structured interviews were conducted on 3 occasions: before surgery, 48 hours following surgery and one month following discharge. Permission was received from the Local Research Ethics Committee. Analysis of the data involved line-by line analysis, compilation of key words and phrases (codes) and constant comparison of the codes until categories emerged.
Findings: Patients liked day surgery and placed it within the wider societal context of efficiency and speed. Time was a major issue for them. They wished surgery, like all other aspects of their life to be a speedy process. They likened it to a McDonald’s experience with its emphasis on speed, predictability and control.
Conclusion: This study throws new light on patient experiences and offers an understanding of day surgery against a western culture which emphasises the importance of speed and efficiency. It is a popular choice for patients but at times it can be seen to be a mechanistic way of providing care. The implications for nurses to provide education and information to add to the quality of the patient experience are discussed.

Citation

Mottram, A. 'Like a trip to McDonalds': A grounded theory study of patient experiences of day surgery. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 48(2), 165-174. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2010.07.007

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Deposit Date: Jul 22, 2010
• Publicly Available Date: Jul 22, 2010
• Journal: International Journal of Nursing Studies
• Print ISSN: 0020-7489
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 48
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 165-174
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2010.07.007
• Keywords: Day Surgery, ambulatory surgery, McDonaldization, grounded theory, peri-operative nursing
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2010.07.007
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