Risk, control and having a say: patient experiences of day surgery

Mottram, A

Abstract

Due to advances in technology, surgical interventions that previously required hospitalisation for many weeks are now being performed in a day.
Patient satisfaction studies have demonstrated that day surgery is a popular choice for patients as it is perceived to cause less disruption to everyday life, personal habits and routines.

Little sociological research has been undertaken into patient experiences of day surgery. Therefore a study was carried out to investigate this using a sociological framework for analysis. 145 patients and 100 carers were interviewed, on three occasions in two day surgery units in the United Kingdom.

A major theme to emerge from the data was that of Control. Patients felt that by opting for day surgery as against in-patient surgery they were managing the risk and uncertainty associated with hospital care. Many patients feared the risk of dying whilst under anaesthesia, or of contacting infections if admitted as in-patient. They also feared loosing control of their timetables, their habits and personal routines. They saw day surgery as a means to manage or minimise this threat to their autonomy. They wished to exercise some personal autonomy by “having a say” in some aspects of their treatment, specifically those aspects of care, which they associated with the risk of dying or other injury.
The unique advantage of day surgery was the perception of control it offered to prospective patients.
This is considered in relation to the work of risk theorists and offers a new perspective on the experiences of day surgery patients.

Citation

Mottram, A. (2010, April). Risk, control and having a say: patient experiences of day surgery. Presented at British Sociological Association Annual Conference 2010, Glasgow Caledonian University

• Presentation Conference Type: Keynote
• Conference Name: British Sociological Association Annual Conference 2010
• Conference Location: Glasgow Caledonian University
• Start Date: Apr 7, 2010
• End Date: Apr 10, 2010
• Deposit Date: Apr 19, 2010
• Publicly Available Date: Apr 19, 2010
• Additional Information: Event Type : Conference