JNSS 2017, 8(3-4):121-127 | DOI: 10.32725/jnss.2017.014

The need for security and safety in connection with a planned surgery

Jaroslava Bohdalová¹, Marie Trešlová^2,*

¹ Health Rescue Service of the South Bohemian Region, Regional Center Český Krumlov, Český Krumlov, Czech Republic

² University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Institute of Nursing, Midwifery and Emergency Care, České Budějovice, Czech Republic

Basics: Planned surgery always affects a patient's need for security and safety. A key role in the patient's situation is played by nurses who, using their competencies, are the closest persons to help the patients fulfil their need for security and safety.
Goals: Find out how planned surgery impacts the need for patients' security and safety and the impact of general nurses on meeting these patients' needs.

Methods: A qualitative research method using an in-depth interview was used for the research. After audio recording and its transcription, paper and pencil open content analysis was performed to create categories and subgroups. The research group consists of six patients (three males, three females) aged 25-75 from a standard surgical ward of a South Bohemian hospital who were admitted for a planned surgery a day earlier, and five general nurses working there (aged 32-41, with 10-21 years of experience, two gained qualifications at university, others at secondary school before changing the educational system).

Results: Research has shown that planned surgery negatively affects the patients' need for security and safety, regardless of their previous experience. General nurses have a great influence on the elimination of patients' fears and negative feelings, when they treat their patients as equal partners, approach them individually, inform them about all nursing procedures and practices, choose a peaceful and helpful way of communication and approach them with empathy. Nevertheless, general nurses have incomplete knowledge in the field of therapeutic communication.

Conclusion: To reduce the negative impact that surgical treatment has on a patient's need for security and safety, it would be appropriate to initiate patient education as soon as it is decided that their illness will be treated in this way.

Keywords: information; education; therapeutic interview; fear; education

Received: February 27, 2017; Accepted: March 21, 2017; Published: September 1, 2017  Show citation