Time lines otherwise known as care maps are in place to ensure consistency and for most surgical diagnoses these are frequently reviewed for currency. The discharge planning team co-ordinates client care needs at time of admission, and home care is often booked in advance of surgical procedure. The realignment of surgical blocks to support procedures that are now done on a day surgery basis is a work in progress. There is ongoing monitoring of surgical schedules and flexibility in operating room time to accommodate urgent and emergency surgeries. A pre-admission clinic is in place to provide comprehensive client orientation and education and the aesthetic consult.
Additional teaching is provided through the day surgery program or on the surgical unit.
Printed materials include pre-operative instructions, time lines, pain management and discharge instructions. Overall, the education provided is excellent and every effort is made to fully explain procedures and interventions. The comprehensive consent policy and process includes all invasive. procedures and blood transfusion. The surgeon obtains the consent which is updated as required. The pre-admission clinic ensures timely completion of the client s assessment and history prior to surgery.