![]() ![]() In both groups, the surgeon communicated the final in-person perioperative update at or near the completion of the procedure according to individual surgeon preference. ![]() Family members were told that they could be communicated with during the procedure, but the exact updates were not discussed regardless of which group they had been randomized. These perioperative events were selected as they could be applied to a variety of procedures. In the intervention group, families received additional standardized electronic updates via pagers at 3 significant perioperative events: 1) initial skin incision has been made 2) critical part of the case is completed and closure has begun and 3) closure is complete, and patient will be transferred to the recovery room when ready. In the control group, the surgeon communicated with the family once, near the completion of the surgical procedure. We hypothesized that updating family members on a greater number of surgical milestones would enhance the satisfaction and decrease the anxiety levels of the loved ones during the perioperative period. With a focus on patient- and family-centered care, we aimed to determine the effect of strategic communication with patients’ relatives during the perioperative period on their satisfaction, anxiety, and overall experience. 11 However, no study currently exists that examines which critical events of the case are most important in surgeon-family communication. Those receiving periodic updates (a phone call every 2 hours) reported less anxiety and a better overall experience than the group of families who did not receive periodic updates. 10 In a study by Blum et al, families were surveyed regarding perioperative stress and satisfaction regarding the care experience. While there is anecdotal evidence that it may be concerning to patients’ families to not receive an update at the scheduled ending time of a procedure, actual family preference remains undetermined. 9 However, presently there is no agreed-upon standardized time to deliver postoperative news to patients’ families, with some surgeons delivering news before a procedure is entirely complete. The CARE/SHARE models of establishing rapport with patients and families suggest it is best to wait until all information is available before speaking with the family, particularly in the event of adverse surgical outcomes. ![]() 7, 8 Family members of patients in the intensive care unit rated attitude, clarity of message, and ability to ask questions as most important when receiving bad news. ![]() 6Ĭommunication and empathy are even more important in the case of adverse outcomes. 5 A recent study showed that increased perioperative communication increases patient satisfaction after total joint arthroplasty, but there have been no studies conducted using standardized perioperative updates to investigate their effect on family member satisfaction. 4 Moreover, surgeons agree that perioperative communication is important and describe the patient’s family members as pseudo-patients. 1– 3 Perioperative communication and attentiveness have been identified as the two most important determinants of perceived surgeon performance. Multiple studies have shown that perioperative communication is important in reducing anxiety and improving the overall experience of family members waiting for surgical patients. ![]()
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