Urological Patients' Perceptions of Nurses' Information before and after Surgery

This descriptive exploratory study contributes to knowledge about patient education prior to and during hospitalization. Academic researchers used participatory action research together with ward nurses as a way for them to reflect on their practice and to make changes ultimately to improve urological patient outcomes. The purpose of the study was to collect base-line data on patient education practices so that comparisons could be made after a nursing intervention. A selected group of urological patients (TUR B-P) received two surveys, one at the time of discharge and one a week later at home to solicit feedback on the information they received prior to hospitalisation and of the actual hospital experience. On the Discharge survey about 3/4 of the patients had received the information at home and knew what to expect in their hospital stay. On the Home survey patients rated nurses' approach and interaction highly with slightly lower scores on hospital and home information. The findings also indicated that patients would like nurses to have more time with them and a better continuity of care. The findings gave a good base for the development of new information practices for this patient group.