Digital Photography enables Innovation and Improves Outcomes

Digital Photography enables Innovation and Improves Patient Outcomes

Surgical techniques today enable early discharge of patients who have undergone major surgery including those with stoma formation. Discharge often follows within twenty four hours of narcotic infusion cessation.  Patient education retention is limited in this situation. We devised a method using patient photographs to provide a laminated care plan to assist with education and allay anxiety upon discharge. The care plan assists ward staff to support the education process prior to discharge.  Outcomes measured from patient surveys have determined that this practice innovation has improved quality of life for our patient group.

The majority of patients having stoma formation are educated prior to admission on all aspects of life with an ostomy.  The post operative period focuses on education regarding actual appliance management techniques and problem solving.  We identified that patients felt unprepared when arriving home following surgery even though they stated they were confident with ostomy management at the time of discharge.

The care plan we developed assists to fill this learning gap, builds confidence and provides a “rote procedure” for those with early dementia. Use of a digital camera enables instant download to the computer and availability of photographs for insertion into a care plan.  Unique needs for each patient are addressed using this technique.  The laminated plan can be taken into the bathroom and used during the shower process then dried for reuse eliminating infection control risks.  

This innovative technique has been welcomed by patients to assist in seamless transition to home.  Domiciliary nursing services receive an emailed referral including a copy of the care plan enabling improved service delivery in the community setting.