The January issue of Clinical Nursing released a study that examined the efficacy of simple nursing telephone follow up after a motor vehicle accident patient was discharged.  Patients who received simple follow-up calls from nurses were significantly less likely to complain of pain or have problems with anxiety, depression, or getting tasks accomplished around their homes.

Read the article at Medical News Today here.

Follow Up Calls by Nurses

According to the report, intervention group patients received a phone call three weeks after their accident to address any concerns and questions about their recovery.  The calls lasted between 12 and 24 minutes on average depending on the need for advice from the nurse.

All patients filled out a survey two weeks following the accident and 6 months after the accident.  Patients in the telephone follow-up group responded more positively to the questionaire at 6 months than those who received no call.  Quality of life for these patients was better with a nursing follow up.

I am constantly amazed by the way that simple changes can effect things so greatly.  In a time when health care costs are soaring and cost cutting and overloaded hospitals force us to send patients home sooner and sooner, an intervention like this can go a long way to improving patient outcomes.  Some patients will call when they have questions but in my experience, most won’t.

People don’t want to be a bother or “that patient.”  When we initiate the communication, however, these people perceive that it is ok to complain and ask questions about their recovery process.  This doesn’t just apply to phone follow-ups.  This concept can be applied to the care in your unit.

Nursing Communication

Do not assume that your patient will complain when there is a problem.  Many will not.  You must ask if there is pain or discomfort.  You must evaluate whether they understand your instructions and not assume that yes means yes.  Most importantly, you must repeat these steps every time you visit that patient.

Like the shampoo bottle says — “Lather, Rinse, REPEAT!”

We as nurses, nursing students, and instructors need to be the initiators of health communication.  Not just once, but each and every time we talk with our patients.  Improving communication skills is a valuable tool that improves outcomes.  Best of all, it’s a simple and ongoing process!

Tell Us What You Think

What do you think?  Leave a comment using the link below.  How often do you actively intiate communication about concerns, pain, discomfort, and evalution of instructions?

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