ON-SCREEN GUIDE
Pre-Op Video Explains The Post-Op Basics

When patients and their families arrive at our surgery center on the day of their procedures, one of the first things we ask them to do is watch TV. We've produced a short video — it's less than 3 minutes — of one of our nurses explaining general discharge instructions.

It's pretty basic, but it makes sure that every patient gets the same information in the same way. The nurse talks about dealing with minor post-op aches, the warning signs of potential complications and returning to daily routines. She demonstrates how to self-administer eyedrops and tape on an eye shield. We've recorded versions in English and Spanish for our bilingual patient population.

Then, after the surgery, post-op nurses readying the patients and their families for discharge can review patient- and case-specific instructions beyond those discussed in the video. As usual, we also send written post-op instructions home with all patients for their reference. You can see the video on our website, www.eyesurgeryaz.com, in the "Patient Resources" section.

Sharon Sjulstad, RN, CNOR, CRNO, CASC
Eye Surgery Center at the Biltmore
Phoenix, Ariz.
[email protected]