Quality of care: the vital role of nurses in the pre and postoperative care

Abstract

citation ID: qdaf077.160 Objectives: Approximately 200 penile implant procedures are performed annually at our hospital. These patients are supervised pre and post-operatively by well-trained nurses. In recent years, the care process for these patients has been changed, led by our extensive experience. The main goal is to better meet the patient's needs in order to increase patient satisfaction. Additional aims are to improve quality of care and reduce the doctor's workload. Methods: In our single surgeon institute, we guide the pros-thetic patient through a well-designed patient care pathway established after many years of experience. Especially in the last 5 years the nurse's tasks have been expanded. First and foremost, preoperative counselling by the nurse was introduced , in order to inform the patient about the advantages and disadvantages of the penile implant, the differences in erection compared to a natural erection and the changes in size and shape. These changes were based on our experience with these patients postoperatively. We're making sure their expectations are realistic. Furthermore we guide the patient through the process and plan their follow up, including: wound checks, activation of the penile implant, practice sessions and an end of term evaluation at 12 weeks after surgery. We guarantee a low threshold accessibility, we make an intensive postopera-tive follow up protocol possible and constantly work in close cooperation with the surgeon. Results: After introducing preoperative counselling by the nurse, we've seen an improvement in the patient and partner satisfaction scores and a decrease in the doctor's workload. When the patient has doubts about the surgery or the implant, a nurse can take time for the patient to listen to their concerns, to inform them once more and to facilitate their decision. We aim towards a shared, well-informed decision making approach, in which the patient's and partner's expectations are met. Finally the follow up protocol and the time we invest in the patient results in less complications.