nursing tips: patient education
- Begin education as early as possible. Give brochures, websites, CD’s at the first visit after biopsy. Let them review at home, then do Q and A when they come for the next office.
- Make sure they know how surgery will affect them – (scar, length of tem, weight bearing status, time off work, time not driving) so that they can make arrangements with their families and employers.
- Make sure they know that they cannot reschedule once cell expansion has started. Give them tips on staying healthy.
- Schedule a final Q and A immediately prior to surgery to verify they have all the info they need, especially if pre-cert has taken a while.
- Ask post-ops for clear and detailed feedback so you can pass on this information future patients. It is very comforting.
- Make sure they know that surgery is not pain-free, and assure them you will help manage their pain. (Keep surgical dressing lighter when possible and use cryotherapy unit to maximize benefit of cold therapy)