SETTING UP A NURSE-LED PATIENT FORUM TO INFORM CHOICE

▪ This is a summary: the full paper can be accessed at nursingtimes.net

Patten, Linda RGN
Singh, Dishan FRCS Orth
Cullen, Nick FRCS Orth
Wiggins, Sophie

Linda Patten, RGN is clinical nurse specialist (foot and ankle);
Dishan Singh, FRCS Orth is consultant orthopaedic surgeon;
Nick Cullen, FRCS Orth is consultant orthopaedic surgeon; all at foot and ankle team;
Sophie Wiggins is clinical audit lead; all at Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Trust, Stanmore, Middlesex.

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THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN DOUBLE-BLIND PEER-REVIEWED

Nursing Times 104(5):p 34-35, February 5, 2008.

ABSTRACT

Patten, L. et al (2008) Setting up a nurse-led patient forum to inform choice. Nursing Times; 104: 5, 34-35. Patients referred for hindfoot or ankle fusion surgery often find the decision whether to have the surgery stressful. As we felt this often stemmed from inadequate information on the procedure and its outcomes, we developed a ‘fusion forum’ - an informal nurse-led discussion group for patients. The aim was to empower patients to make informed choices about surgery. This article reports on an evaluation of the patient forum.

A questionnaire was distributed to the patients attending the forum; 96% of respondents felt the quality of information provided was excellent or good. None thought it was unsatisfactory. The forum greatly increased patient understanding.