Impact of discharge from day surgery on patients and carers

Mitchell, MJ

Abstract

This article outlines the increase in the amount and complexity of day-case surgery currently being undertaken in the United Kingdom. The continuing increase in day surgery has led to a corresponding rise in patient and lay-carer involvement throughout the pre and post-operative period. The impact day surgery expansion is having upon the patient and their carers' contribution to care is therefore highlighted as a challenging issue for modern day-case surgery. Utilising the evidence available from the literature, the article focuses specifically upon the contemporary issues concerning patient and lay-carer experiences of discharge from a day surgery facility. The main challenges identified are pain management, recovery behaviour and community care provision. The clinical application of the issues raised within these themes is considered and recommendations for future practice highlighted.

Citation

Mitchell, M. (2003). Impact of discharge from day surgery on patients and carers. British Journal of Nursing, 12(7), 402-408

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Apr 10, 2003
• Deposit Date: Aug 9, 2007
• Journal: British Journal of Nursing
• Print ISSN: 0966-0461
• Publisher: MA Healthcare
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 12
• Issue: 7
• Pages: 402-408
• Publisher URL: http://www.internurse.com/cgi-bin/go.pl/library/abstract.html?uid=11260
• Related Public URLs: http://www.britishjournalofnursing.com