Quality of counselling for knee and shoulder arthroscopy patients during day surgery.

BACKGROUND

Counselling for day surgery patients is one of the core components for a knee or shoulder arthroscopy patient to succeed in self-care.

AIM: This cross-sectional study examined the quality of counselling given to patients (n = 86) during their day surgery, using the Counselling Quality Instrument (CQI).

METHODS

The data were analysed using basic and multivariate statistical methods.

RESULTS

Most respondents were male and aged over 50 years. Almost all knee and shoulder arthroscopy patients were satisfied with the counselling given on follow-up and rehabilitation as well as the counselling given relating to wound and pain treatment. There was a lack of patient-centred and goal-oriented counselling, although interaction during counselling was good. Counselling was perceived as providing benefit in regard to a patient's self-care, emotions and knowledge. Respondents aged below 40 years were more dissatisfied with counselling for day surgery than those aged 40 years and over.

CONCLUSION

This study identified a need to train healthcare staff in patient-centred and goal-oriented counselling. Counselling with people who are aged below 40 years should take account of patients' specific concerns.