Presurgical Optimization Videos for Patients Undergoing Elective Spine Surgery

Author

Megan KnetzerFollow

Date of Award

Spring 5-7-2021

Document Type

DNP Project

Project Team Faculty Member

Dr. Terri Furfaro

Project Team Faculty Member

Dr. Bernadette Sobczak

Keywords

spine surgery, spinal fusion, prehabilitation, education, optimization, video

Abstract

Spine surgery is a growing healthcare trend with more than 199,000 lumbar fusions alone being performed in the United States in 2015 and annual costs of more than $10 billion. Spine surgery represents a major life-altering event for patients, with high complication rates and extensive recovery periods for which patients often feel unprepared. Presurgical optimization and education have the potential to decrease medical complications, improve outcomes, and reduce patient anxiety related to surgery. The purpose of this project was to implement presurgical education videos focused on modifiable risk factors for patients undergoing spinal surgery at an urban academic medical center. Current literature was reviewed and used to establish recommendations in the areas of smoking cessation, nutrition, exercise, and pain management and coping. Videos were filmed and the link distributed over the course of six weeks to patients during clinic visits or through secured electronic medical record messaging. Surveys collecting demographic information and feedback regarding the videos were included with the link. There were 13 responses to the survey. Patients rated them positively as being helpful, clearly presented, habit changing, improving preparedness for surgery, and would recommend them to others. Many of the patients provided additional feedback and suggestions for future video topics. The surgeons and their staff found the videos to be beneficial for their patients and further video education plans are underway at this institution.

Recommended Citation

Knetzer, Megan, "Presurgical Optimization Videos for Patients Undergoing Elective Spine Surgery" (2021). Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects. 152.
https://spark.siue.edu/dnpprojects/152

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