Improving Postoperative Conversations With Families: What We Can Learn From Experience

Peige Zhou; Marcy E Rosenbaum; Muneera R Kapadia

doi:10.1016/j.jss.2020.07.016

Back

Improving Postoperative Conversations With Families: What We Can Learn From Experience

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Improving Postoperative Conversations With Families: What We Can Learn From Experience

Peige Zhou, Marcy E Rosenbaum and Muneera R Kapadia

The Journal of surgical research, Vol.256, pp.629-635

12/2020

DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2020.07.016

PMID: 32810663

View Online

Abstract

Postoperative conversations with families are an integral part of the patient-physician relationship. Faculty and resident surgeons alike agree on their importance; however, there is little exposure and formal training during residency training. This study explored faculty surgeons' perspectives on common themes, impressions, and potential teaching points that could provide a basis for developing a comprehensive formal curriculum on postoperative conversations. Interviews were conducted at a single teaching hospital with faculty surgeons with over 5 y of practice regarding important aspects and teaching points of postoperative conversations with families. Qualitative review was performed using thematic analysis to determine common themes regarding postoperative conversations with families. Based on interviews with 15 faculty surgeons, components of postoperative conversation with families were grouped into "what" (sharing data with the patient), "how" (creating an atmosphere, i.e., private, honest, with attention to empathy and reassurance), and "verify" (ensuring clear communication and comprehension). Faculty surgeons stated that challenges in postoperative conversations included discussing poor outcomes, reporting unexpected findings, and ensuring clear communication with families. When teaching residents, developing the appropriate atmosphere and rapport was most emphasized as well as need for additional practice. Yet, faculty frequently noted minimal exposure to these conversations during their residency and stated some logistical and trust barriers from preventing them as faculty to allow surgical trainees to participate in these postoperative conversations. This study identified the themes to guide and challenges involved in postoperative conversations with families. Using this data, a complete curriculum could be developed to teach trainees the essential portions of this critical portion of patient care.

Academic Medical Centers

Attitude of Health Personnel

Communication

Curriculum

Empathy

Faculty - psychology

Humans

Internship and Residency - methods

Physician-Patient Relations

Postoperative Period

Qualitative Research

Quality of Health Care

Surgeons - psychology

Surgeons - statistics & numerical data

Surveys and Questionnaires

Trust

Details

Title: Subtitle: Improving Postoperative Conversations With Families: What We Can Learn From Experience
Creators: Peige Zhou - University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
Marcy E Rosenbaum - University of Iowa
Muneera R Kapadia - University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: The Journal of surgical research, Vol.256, pp.629-635
DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2020.07.016
PMID: 32810663
ISSN: 0022-4804
eISSN: 1095-8673
Language: English
Date published: 12/2020
Academic Unit: Family and Community Medicine; Office of Consultation and Research in Medical Education
Record Identifier: 9984297451902771

Metrics

7 Record Views