Journal of Orthopaedic Nursing
Volume 12, Issue 2 , Pages 84-89, May 2008

Developing an information booklet for parents and caregivers of children recovering from spinal fusion surgery

  • N. Anelise Santo, MSc (A)

      Affiliations

    • Montreal Children’s Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, 2300 Tupper Avenue, B-325 Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3H 1P3
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author. Tel.: +1 514 483 6339 (R), +1 514 412 4420 (O); fax: +1 514 412 4424.
    • ,
  • N. Margaret Purden, PhD (Assistant Professor, Scientific Director)

      Affiliations

    • School of Nursing, McGill University, Quebec, Canada
    • The Centre for Nursing Research, S.M.B.D. Jewish General Hospital, Canada
    • ,
  • N. Kim Tanguay, MEd (Nursing Professional Development Educator)

      Affiliations

    • Montreal Children’s Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, Canada

published online 09 December 2008.

Editor’s commentsThis small project shows the need for effective post surgery communication between care staff and the patient, or their relatives. The development of effective discharge information, in the form of a booklet, can be time consuming but can have a major impact on those it has been developed for. The focus of any written information, as in this case, has to be patient orientated looking at level of information and its readability once the patient is discharged.

Summary 

Background

The home care of children following spinal fusion surgery can be a challenging experience for families. The literature identifies a need for better discharge information, specifically written information for families to take home.

Method

A discharge informational booklet was developed based on the results of a qualitative study and following discussions with stakeholders. Families who recently made the transition home where involved in the development of the content and design of the booklet.

Conclusion

The booklet is viewed as helpful by families preparing for discharge from the hospital and taking on a care-giving role at home. It also helps nursing staff anticipate issues families may face when home, thus encourages discussion of these issues with families prior to their hospital discharge. Further evaluation of the tool with a larger sample is indicated.

Keywords: Hospital discharge, Orthopaedic surgery, Care-giving, Children, Booklet, Tool

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PII: S1361-3111(08)00046-0

doi:10.1016/j.joon.2008.07.016

Journal of Orthopaedic Nursing
Volume 12, Issue 2 , Pages 84-89, May 2008

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