Board Game Represents Educational Tool for Patients
By Dawn Helfrich, MSN, PNP, BC, CNA, RN
Surgery is a stressful time for patients and their families. Time is limited to adequately diffuse these fears and explain what nursing and medical staff must accomplish before a child is ready to go to surgery. Educating and preparing children and their parents on what to expect when they come for a surgical procedure can positively affect the outcome and increase patient satisfaction.
Same Day Surgery uses a unique and creative educational tool called Surgeryland. Based on a popular children’s game, Surgeryland features cartoon characters and pictures. It was developed in 2006 by a multidisciplinary group of nurses, clinical educators, child life specialists and parents in collaboration with the Communications and Marketing department. The game board and stickers are now part of a redesigned surgery pre-anesthesia packet that is given to families at the time their surgery is scheduled.
Staff use Surgeryland to show patients what to expect as they go through the perioperative process. The child puts stickers on tasks that he or she completes, such as putting on hospital pajamas, having blood pressure taken and choosing an anesthesia mask flavor. These small tasks create a sense of control and accomplishment. The parents can also participate and learn with their child.
The response has been overwhelmingly positive from patients and staff. Since implementation, Same Day Surgery patient satisfaction scores have increased, particularly in regard to compassion toward patients and families. Cards and letters from parents have indicated their child loved the Surgeryland game, and some still play it at home.
The author can be reached at 314.454.4784 and dch0233@bjc.org.