Supporting limb reconstruction patients: a fine-wire circular fixator support group

External fixator frames are widely used in limb reconstruction surgery. They are used for relatively long periods and the multidimensional impact on patients is documented. We examined the role of a nurse-led specialist group when supporting patients both pre-operatively and postoperatively. All pat...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England 2009-01, Vol.91 (1), p.63-65
Main Authors: Newton Ede, M P, Malik, M H A, Prudhoe, L, Miller, C, Khan, S A, Wilkes, R A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Bone Wires
External Fixators
Extremities - surgery
Fractures
Hospitals
Humans
Ilizarov Technique - psychology
Orthopaedics
Patient Acceptance of Health Care - statistics & numerical data
Patient Education as Topic
Patient Satisfaction
Patients
Postoperative Care
Preoperative Care
Reconstructive Surgical Procedures - nursing
Reconstructive Surgical Procedures - psychology
Self-Help Groups
Support groups
Surgery
Trauma
Citations: Items that this one cites
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:External fixator frames are widely used in limb reconstruction surgery. They are used for relatively long periods and the multidimensional impact on patients is documented. We examined the role of a nurse-led specialist group when supporting patients both pre-operatively and postoperatively. All patients with external fixators were contacted via postal questionnaire. Questions asked covered regularity of attendance at the specialist group, information received and problems with the frames. Thirty-seven patients replied. Twenty-one had attended the clinic and nearly all (32) had been offered the opportunity to attend. Most reported being well prepared for surgery and felt that the information given was satisfactory. Problems were generally addressed within the group and patients attended the group with frame-related problems before attending their general practitioner or the accident and emergency department. All patients found the group environment supportive. We describe a unique patient support group. To our knowledge, it is the first in the country. It is a valuable resource in equipping patients prior to surgery as well as dealing with problems that arise with the frame in situ. We recommend it to other limb reconstruction units.
ISSN:0035-8843
1478-7083
DOI:10.1308/003588409X359051