Redesigning orthopaedic post-operative protocols to optimise patient care: An evaluation study
Emily Cross1, Jade Criag1, Andrew Bucknill1,2 1The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia2Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Abstract
Background: Patient education materials are provided after orthopaedic surgery as part of routine care. The aim of this project was to review orthopaedic surgery brochures at our hospital, improve consumer experience and reduce variability in care.
Method: Five consumers and five physiotherapists reviewed 15 orthopaedic post-surgery brochures. Brochures were modified with input from design and legal teams, then refined utilising an online readability program and the ‘Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG) Index’ – a tool measuring years of education needed to understand a text. Ten orthopaedic surgeons conducted a final review prior to publication.
Results: Prior to redesign, brochures were adjudged ambiguous, they contained medical jargon, and conflicting statements. Consumers preferred when diagrams were included, fewer words per page, and to view electronically as well as in print. Physiotherapists valued electronic versions to facilitate sharing when patients were referred to other centres. Initially, all brochures failed readability recommendations regarding word length and sentence structure (average SMOG reading level grade 9.7). An artist drew exercise diagrams and graphic design team advised on layout. After redesign, orthopaedic surgeons approved the brochures as standard post-surgical care at our hospital. Readability was re-tested and had improved to an average SMOG grade 7.6. A website was created to host the new versions of the brochures which are available for download with a QR code.
Conclusion: Patient-friendly materials reflecting improved readability and consumer engagement are now available electronically to disseminate after orthopaedic surgical care. Consumers value having access to both printed and electronic versions of brochures.
Biography
Emily Cross is an Advanced Practice Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist and Virtual Fracture Clinic Coordinator at the Royal Melbourne Hospital. Emily holds a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (La Trobe University, 2005) and finished top of her class in her Master of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy (La Trobe University, 2012). Through her membership on the MPA Vic Branch committee she has been heavily involved in the organisation and delivery of professional development in Victoria since 2011. She was a clinical supervisor for the University of Melbourne’s Master of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy program and is dedicated to facilitating professional development and education for the advancement of the profession.