Being in for a day doesn't count: patient experiences of day surgery

Mottram, A

Abstract

Abstract :

A qualitative study, utilising the Grounded Theory methodology, was undertaken to explore the experiences of patients undergoing day surgery in two day surgery units in the United Kingdom. 145 patients were interviewed on three occasions over a two year period.

A major theme to emerge from the data was the ambiguity presented to the patient in relation to the sick role. Throughout the data it was clear that there were some difficulties encountered by the patient sample regarding the cultural norms and expectations relating to the sick role. Of concern to the patients was society’s attitude which seems to deny to the day surgery patients the full entitlement of the privileges associated with the sick role. Day Surgery patients wanted to feel comfortable in a role that was socially acceptable to society.
Patient expectations of Day Surgery gave rise to other dilemmas concerning appropriation of the sick role. Due to the speed of the service many patients actively resisted this role. This could have implications for their recovery. A large number of patients wished for a limited ascription of the sick role whilst a minority actively sought to acquire the sick role.

Parsons “Sick Role” offers a useful framework of analysis and provides insight into the dilemmas of patients undergoing day surgery. Clinical implications of these findings include the necessity of providing detailed patient information to encourage realistic expectations of day surgery.

Citation

Mottram, A. Being in for a day doesn't count: patient experiences of day surgery. Presented at British Sociological Association Annual Conference, Cardiff

• Presentation Conference Type: Other
• Conference Name: British Sociological Association Annual Conference
• Conference Location: Cardiff
• End Date: Apr 18, 2009
• Deposit Date: Jan 19, 2010
• Keywords: Day Surgery, Sociology, Grounded Theory, Sick Role, Parsons, Nursing
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