How Much Information is Too Much Information for Patients?

Abstract

An effective pre-operative information-giving strategy is important in day surgery units, where a low pain score is essential for early discharge home. Good post-operative recovery at home is of utmost importance, as it has to be remembered that one-day surgery does not mean one-day recovery. Integrated care pathways (ICPs) have recognised and well documented benefits, and an ICP which includes a patient information strategy was thought likely to benefit staff and patients in the day surgery setting, where it is essential that patients receive timely, appropriate and evidenced-based care and information.

The benefits of giving patients pre-operative information are well documented, and a large majority of patients in this study (n=100) received written pre-operative information prior to their admission to an orthopaedic day surgery ward. However, it was found that 49% (n = 42) of patients would have preferred more information. The post-operative pain scores of these patients were demonstrably higher than those of patients who were satisfied with the information they received.