Mashal Farooq
Introduction
This quality improvement project aimed to achieve a ≥10% improvement in foundation doctors’ understanding of post-operative patient management on surgical wards. We hypothesised that a written information booklet would improve understanding more effectively than verbal explanations alone. Foundation doctors are often responsible for the initial assessment and management of post-operative surgical patients, particularly out of hours. Limited understanding of common post-operative issues may result in delayed escalation, inappropriate investigations, and suboptimal patient care. This project aimed to assess and improve foundation doctor knowledge and confidence in managing post-operative patients.
Methods
Foundation doctors (n=20) completed a baseline questionnaire to identify high priority topics for inclusion in the information booklet. Participants rated how informed they felt across key domains of post-operative management (including analgesia, fluid prescribing, monitoring observations, recognition of complications, and escalation) using a 0-5 Likert scale. An information booklet was co-designed, distributed, and the foundation doctor questionnaire repeated.
Results
Prior to booklet distribution, mean self-rated understanding of post-operative management was 3.5/5. Following distribution, this increased to 4.7/5 exceeding the project aim of ≥10% improvement.
Conclusion
This Project demonstrates that an evidence-based booklet is an effective and sustainable intervention for improving understanding and confidence around managing post-operative patients. By providing clear guidance aligned with local protocols, the booklet supports safer clinical decision-making and potential for wider adoption across surgical specialties and training programmes. The booklet is due to receive further feedback and final modifications.
Authors
Mashal Farooq, Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital, London, United Kingdom