Authors (including presenting author) :
Iu WC(1), Chan KH(2), Lee SF(1), Wong WLH(2), Wong HY(2), Ching LSJ(3), Wong KY(1)
Affiliation :
(1)Department of surgery, United Christian Hospital, (2)Department of surgery, Tseung Kwan O Hospital, (3) Nurse Services Division, United Christian Hospital
Introduction :
Ureteric stents help patients solve numerous urological problems such as ureteric stricture and ureteric or renal pelvis obstruction. However, the stents may cause complications which lead to urgent medical conditions and result in burden on the healthcare system. For example, when the patients forget to attend follow-up procedures for reviewing the stents, multiple endourological procedures or even open surgery may be required to remove the encrusted stents. Although the existing Clinical Data Analysis and Reporting System (CDARS) in the Hospital Authority aids in vigilance of any possible forgotten stent, empowering patients to actively involve in their own health and self-care with ureteric stents can further safeguard patients from the possibility of forgotten stents.
Objectives :
To provide an effective patient education regarding ureteric stent care in order to promote patient engagement, minimize chances of forgotten stents and reduce unnecessary readmission.
Methodology :
This study employed a pretest-posttest design on assessing the effectiveness of patient education about ureteric stents within the same group of patients. A ureteric stent care leaflet and video with easy access quick-response codes (QR codes) were developed as education materials, along with Urology enquiry hotline and ureteric stent alert cards. A self-developed questionnaire was used to evaluate patients’ confidence in self-care of ureteric stents and their satisfaction on the education materials.
Result & Outcome :
A total of 17 patients were recruited in this study. The average pre-test score was 3.2 out of 7. Patients were prone to attend the emergency department immediately when mild signs and symptoms were encountered. Risk of instances of forgotten stents was observed. After patient education, the average post-test score rose to 6.9, showing a significant improvement in knowledge on ureteric stent care. Moreover, patients rated an average score of 26.7 out of 30 in their satisfaction questionnaires and expressed that they became more confident in taking care of the ureteric stents.
Patient education on ureteric stent care through leaflet and video empowered patients to be confident in living with ureteric stents. They can self-manage the potential symptoms attributed to the indwelling stents. They can recognize the occasions that require medical advice and adhere to their schedule for stent exchange or removal. Unnecessary admission related to ureteric stents could be minimized. Further research with larger sample size and evaluating the effectiveness of patient education on reduction of unplanned readmission as well as rate of forgotten stent is needed.
