Patients' views on an education booklet following spinal surgery
File(s)
Author(s)
McGregor, AH
Henley, A
Morris, TP
Dore, CJ
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Purpose This study evaluated an evidence-based education
booklet developed for patients undergoing spinal surgery
which was used as a treatment intervention in a multi-centre,
factorial, randomised controlled trial (FASTER: Function
after spinal treatment, exercise and rehabilitation) investigating
the post-operative management of spinal surgery
patients. This study sought to determine the acceptability and
content of the booklet to patients.
Methods Patients receiving the educational booklet
before discharge from hospital as part of the FASTER
study were asked to complete an evaluation, which rated
the booklet ‘‘Your Back Operation’’ with regard to content,
information, usability, etc. using forced and open questions.
This assessment was conducted at the same time as
the initial 6-week post-operative review performed as part
of the larger study.
Results Therefore, 97% of the 117 trial participants who
returned their 6-week evaluation and randomised to receive
a booklet returned their questionnaire. The booklet was
highly rated receiving an overall rating of 7 or more out of
10 from 101/111 (91%), and high ratings for content,
readability and information. The booklet’s key messages
were clear to the majority of patients; however, many
patients highlighted deficiencies with respect to content
particularly in relation to wound care and exercise.
Conclusions Patients valued the booklet and rated its
content highly. Many suggested that the booklet be
developed further and there was a clear desire for specific
exercises to be included even though there is no evidence
to support specific exercise prescription.
booklet developed for patients undergoing spinal surgery
which was used as a treatment intervention in a multi-centre,
factorial, randomised controlled trial (FASTER: Function
after spinal treatment, exercise and rehabilitation) investigating
the post-operative management of spinal surgery
patients. This study sought to determine the acceptability and
content of the booklet to patients.
Methods Patients receiving the educational booklet
before discharge from hospital as part of the FASTER
study were asked to complete an evaluation, which rated
the booklet ‘‘Your Back Operation’’ with regard to content,
information, usability, etc. using forced and open questions.
This assessment was conducted at the same time as
the initial 6-week post-operative review performed as part
of the larger study.
Results Therefore, 97% of the 117 trial participants who
returned their 6-week evaluation and randomised to receive
a booklet returned their questionnaire. The booklet was
highly rated receiving an overall rating of 7 or more out of
10 from 101/111 (91%), and high ratings for content,
readability and information. The booklet’s key messages
were clear to the majority of patients; however, many
patients highlighted deficiencies with respect to content
particularly in relation to wound care and exercise.
Conclusions Patients valued the booklet and rated its
content highly. Many suggested that the booklet be
developed further and there was a clear desire for specific
exercises to be included even though there is no evidence
to support specific exercise prescription.
Date Issued
2012-08-01
Date Acceptance
2012-02-19
Citation
European Spine Journal, 2012, 21 (8), pp.1609-1615
ISSN
1432-0932
Publisher
Springer Verlag (Germany)
Start Page
1609
End Page
1615
Journal / Book Title
European Spine Journal
Volume
21
Issue
8
Copyright Statement
© The Author(s) 2012. This article is published with open access at Springerlink.com
Subjects
Science & Technology
Life Sciences & Biomedicine
Clinical Neurology
Orthopedics
Neurosciences & Neurology
CLINICAL NEUROLOGY
ORTHOPEDICS
Evidence-based booklet
Education
Spinal surgery
Acceptability
Surgical journey
RANDOMIZED-CONTROLLED-TRIAL
NERVE ROOT COMPRESSION
QUALITY-OF-LIFE
LOW-BACK-PAIN
RHEUMATOID-ARTHRITIS
SURGICAL-MANAGEMENT
HEALTH-CARE
INFORMATION
STENOSIS
EXPECTATIONS
Publication Status
Published