| Summary: | Thesis (M.N.)--Memorial University of Newfoundland, 1995. Nursing Bibliography: leaves 111-116. This study evolved from changes in the health care system resulting in early discharge of patients from hospital and the need for information by surgical patients in order to manage their care at home. Since professionals and patients often do not perceive the same priorities for teaching content, the informational needs as perceived by patients, were explored in this study. The relationship between personal and illness-related factors and informational needs was examined. Patient reports of information given and satisfaction with information were also explored. -- A questionnaire was mailed to patients who were discharged home from hospital following appendectomy, inguinal hernia repair or cholecystectomy. Data were collected using the Patient Learning Need Scale. Subjects were asked to rate each item according to how important the information was in order to manage their care at home. For each item in the scale, subjects were also asked to indicate if the information was given and, for information given, to indicate how satisfied they were with this information. Demographic and illness-related data were collected from subjects and hospital records. Analysis was completed for a sample of 45 subjects. -- Highly rated informational items for the subjects in this study were those related to physical activity, complications, wound care, pain management, elimination and guidelines for bathing. Age, education and gender were not related to total informational needs. However, subjects with a lower level of education needed more information about community resources. Type of surgical procedure, length of hospital stay, and medications were not related to total informational needs. Subjects who were discharged with a prescription for medications needed more information in two areas-medications and community resources. -- Information which was rated as important and identified as given by the subjects in this study was also reported as satisfactory. Information considered as important and reported as not given by at least 40% of the subjects related to complications, elimination and recommendations for rest and physical exercise. Approximately 30% of subjects perceived that information about pain control, prevention of complications and guidelines for bathing were not given. -- Implications for nursing practice and education include suggested content for developing teaching programs for short term surgical patients or for setting teaching priorities for patients in preparation for discharge. Areas for further research are outlined.
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