Introduction
Nursing work cannot be built solely on an intuitive level, and certain theoretical bases should be used as a justification for specific interventions. For these purposes, today, in the healthcare system, it is customary to resort to special models of nursing care, which have different objectives and orientations and can be introduced into various spheres. As the presentation of such a model’s features and the description of the recent experience with it, a perioperative nursing care model will be considered. Its effectiveness in modern medical practice is high, and, despite the existing alternative, its use is the key to success.
Nursing Care Model Used
Caring for patients before and after surgical interventions is an essential part of nursing practice since the condition of people entirely depends on how well the preparation and rehabilitation work is organized. According to Desebbe, Lanz, Kain, and Cannesson (2016), it is possible to evaluate the perioperative nursing model including new approaches and requirements for knowledge and skills in caring for patients in pre- and postoperative periods. The authors remark that within the framework of this methodology, work in special wake-up chambers is conducted (Desebbe et al., 2016). The activity in such conditions created an opportunity to optimize the operation of the entire operating unit, increase the load on one operating table, reduce the number of early postoperative complications, and improve the quality of care in the early postoperative period. According to Desebbe et al. (2016), “the model is based on multidisciplinary involvement: coordination of care, consistent application of best evidence/best practice protocols, full transparency with continuous monitoring and reporting of safety, quality, and cost data to optimize and decrease variation in care practices” (p. 59). Therefore, it is possible to talk about the comprehensive care that is so necessary for patients in surgical departments.
The possibilities of the described model can also be assessed not only from a practical but also a psychological point of view. According to Cannesson and Kain (2015), a perioperative nursing approach implies individual work with each patient, which makes the practice as suitable as possible for a surgical department. Moreover, the authors note that “this model takes into account the patients’ preferences and values in perioperative decisions” (Cannesson & Kain, 2015, p. 185). Therefore, the implementation of this nursing methodology is justified and successful.
Another Nursing Care Model
Another nursing care model is described in scientific works. A patient-centered approach that is also used in perioperative care aims at supporting those people who face difficulties in preparing for an operation or recovering after surgical interventions (Arakelian, Swenne, Lindberg, Rudolfsson, & Vogelsang, 2017). This methodology has common features with the previously described model. However, in the patient-centered approach, the primary focus is made on the moral support of patients and control of their psyche in order to avoid disorders.
Similar principles are also described in another article. Stratton (2016) claims that the emphasis on the surgical patient and the provision of safe care are indispensable conditions of successful patient-oriented nurses’ work. Nevertheless, the author does not mention the peculiarities of the process related to preparations for surgical interventions and recovery periods. These stages of nurses’ intervention are significant in perioperative care, and they definitely should be highlighted. Thus, a patient-care approach is effective but a narrow-minded practice that, however, has much in common with that mentioned earlier.
Implementation of the Current Nursing Care Model
The introduction of the perioperative nursing care model is gradual, and some exceptional conditions both contribute to and hinder its full implementation in practice. For example, Desebbe et al. (2016) note that despite the responsibility of working as an anesthesia nurse, some specialists sometimes do not pay enough attention to those preparatory procedures that are necessary for operations. Moreover, the authors claim that the mismatch of working qualifications can be a major challenge in implementing the model in practice (Desebbe et al., 2016). In case the junior medical staff has insufficient qualitative preparation, there is a risk of making mistakes and completely abandoning the described model because of the too low efficiency of its work. Nevertheless, judging by the provisions of the perioperative care program for patients, it has significant prospects of becoming one of the most sought-after nursing models and gaining popularity in medical practice.
Regardless of whether the nursing staff has problems when implementing the model’s provisions or not, such an approach to work will surely increase the patient’s chances of successful surgical interventions and faster recovery after operations. The method of close the involvement of medical specialists in the process of preparing patients and their recovery period will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the reputation of those clinics that will adhere to the model’s conditions. Furthermore, the number of grateful patients will constantly grow, which will have a positive impact on the rating of surgery as the area of the healthcare sector as a whole. Accordingly, the implementation of the perioperative practice program is a contribution to subsequent success and recognition by both patients and senior management.
Alternative Nursing Care Model to Improve the Quality of Nursing Care, Safety, and Staff Satisfaction
As an alternative nursing care model, it is possible to resort to the program that seeks to find an evidence base for interventions and to involve management in order to control all the stages of activities. It is a special model called the Iowa model of evidence-based practice; it helps “to decrease the chasm between research and practice” by finding a supporting basis for the need for a particular procedure (White & Spruce, 2015, p. 50). The possibilities of this program allow not only nurses but also senior management to take part in monitoring certain medical procedures in order to exclude possible misunderstandings and to have clear justifications for the importance of a particular intervention approved by the leadership (White & Spruce, 2015). This practical model can improve the quality of nursing care and also help to achieve staff satisfaction with the quality of work. In addition, patients will feel safe if they understand that not only junior medical personnel but also the management of a specific clinic takes care of their health. Therefore, such a nursing model has unequivocal advantages for medical practice.
Conclusion
Thus, the effectiveness of the perioperative nursing care model is proved by some respected authors, and its implementation in practice can make a significant contribution to the development of the surgery as a medical sphere. The patient-centered program that is similar to the perioperative method is more oriented on psychological support than physical assistance. An alternative variant is the Iowa model of evidence-based practice that involves leaders and helps to find justification for specific interventions. The use of appropriate models in practice can improve the quality of nursing care and help to develop the entire healthcare system.
References
Arakelian, E., Swenne, C. L., Lindberg, S., Rudolfsson, G., & Vogelsang, A. C. (2017). The meaning of person-centred care in the perioperative nursing context from the patient’s perspective – An integrative review. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 26(17-18), 2527-2544.
Cannesson, M., & Kain, Z. (2015). The perioperative surgical home: An innovative clinical care delivery model. Journal of Clinical Anesthesia, 27(3), 185-187.
Desebbe, O., Lanz, T., Kain, Z., & Cannesson, M. (2016). The perioperative surgical home: An innovative, patient-centred and cost-effective perioperative care model. Anaesthesia Critical Care & Pain Medicine, 35(1), 59-66.
Stratton, M. (2016). An American perspective on perioperative nursing. ACORN: The Journal of Perioperative Nursing in Australia, 29(4), 9-10.
White, S., & Spruce, L. (2015). Perioperative nursing leaders implement clinical practice guidelines using the Iowa model of evidence-based practice. AORN Journal, 102(1), 50-59.