Cataract Patient Education

Conveying information and educating the patient is a significant element in nursing. Instructing the patient in a manner where the information can be incorporated it into their life is the goal for the nurse and medical team. The purpose of this paper is to determine best practices to assure cataracts patient at Group Health (GHC) are adequately prepared for surgery.

Objectives

The three objectives for this project are: 1.) Identify best practice by researching current literature on effective methods for providing pre-surgical patient education to the population >65 years old on cataract surgery. 2.) Assess present pre-op education process for cataract patients at GHC to determine current state and whether there are potential opportunities

This applies to all forms either written, verbal, or via the Internet. The educator’s presentation needs to be simple and uncomplicated with short sentences, basic wording, simple font, and avoiding negative connotations (Blanck, & Marshall 2011; Patel et al., 2015; Rawson et al., 2011). Verbal communication is the least remembered while demonstration has the best recall rate (Friedman, Cosby, Boyko, Hatton-Bauer, & Turnbull 2010; Patel et al., 2015). It is valuable to have the patient’s recount the information during the educational process as this enhances remembering (Rawson et al., 2011). In addition, multiple strategies i.e. written material, verbal, illustrations, computer, videotapes, or demonstration during the education increases retention (Friedman et al.,

The external support from family and friends helps calm the patient. The family can provide reinforcement for the patient in all phases of the surgery. When the patient has followed the instructions, things at the surgery center go much smoother. There are decreased incidents of high pressure, pain issues, and/or low/high blood sugar. Escorts and transportation home is readily available to the patient. Post surgery medications are handled. The whole experience is pleasant for the patient. Patient’s that have good encounters are happier patients. Content patients tell their friends, family, and co-workers, which in turn may influence that person at the end of the year to change health insurance plans. When the entire transaction from beginning to end goes effortlessly for the patient, GHC prospers. The patient feels confident in GHC abilities. If GHC is well organized, experts in the field, informed, and skillful, then the reputation become known in the community. This notoriety generates more patients for