PATIENT’S UNDERSTANDING OF POST-OPERATIVE CARE CONTINUITY REGARDING HOME SELF-CARE

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the understanding level and the feelings of post-operative patients about the continuity of home self-care. Materials and methods: Qualitative study, carried out with eleven post-operative patients, using semi-structured interviews, subjected to thematic analysis based on Self-Care Theories. Results: Eleven patients, hospitalized in a surgical clinic, participated. Two categories emerged, addressing the feelings related to the surgery and the factors that influence the learning of self-care measures in the post-operative period. They underline the scope of nursing work, together with the surgical specialty; and emphasize the importance of educational hospital care and continuity in primary care. Conclusion: These findings suggest an interference of the emotional condition, family support and discharge guidelines for home self-care. Before taking any educational measures, it is necessary to consider the emotional state of the patient and family in order to increase self-care learning.