978 Improving Satisfaction in Patients with Learning Disabilities. (12th October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: McConaghie, G; Mistry, J; Thakkar, K; Wigley, D; Lam, G
• Is Part Of: British journal of surgery. Volume 108:Supplement 6(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-10-12
• Subjects: Surgery -- Periodicals; 617.005
• DOI: 10.1093/bjs/znab259.762
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1323

Abstract

Abstract: Aim: Patients with learning disabilities (LD) are less satisfied because they do not fully understand their surgical management. Poor communication between doctors & LD patients leaves them unhappy & reluctant to seek further help. We aimed to improve satisfaction in 90% of patients. Method: In one year in a midlands DGH 201 patients with an LD were admitted. Interviews were conducted which highlighted key problems. Multiple ideas were reviewed, and the simple but effective intervention was a brightly coloured prompt sheet with 4 questions placed in the patient notes: Have you explained: why they are in hospital? what the next step is? information in a way they can understand? any tests or procedures beforehand? A simple scale tracked the patient & carer satisfaction over 8 weeks as the prompt sheets were introduced to patient notes by the learning disability nurses. Results: A 90% increase in patient satisfaction was not achieved but considerable positive feedback was. Moreover, the LD nurses witnessed an increased use of hospital passports among doctors as well as improved patient-doctor communication. A small target population restricts the rapid collection of large amounts of data. The patient satisfaction measure was qualitative, and a 10-point scale would have detailed smaller changes. Lack of carer continuity also made it difficult to collect consistent data. Conclusions: The role of learning disability nurses is key to improving patient understanding and satisfaction, but they can be assisted by channelling and maintaining initiatives to raise awareness of the needs of these patients.