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Evidence suggests that patients do better when their expectations about specific benefits of nursing care are discussed and met. Design a “comfort contract” whereby patients or their surrogates designate an expected level of postsurgical overall comfort, and also where they can specify chronic discomforts and interventions that they use at home for relief.
Sample Answer
Designing a “Comfort Contract” for Improved Patient Satisfaction and Comfort
Introduction
In healthcare, patient satisfaction and comfort are essential components of providing high-quality care. Research indicates that when patients’ expectations regarding the benefits of nursing care are discussed and met, they experience better outcomes. To ensure patient-centered care, the concept of a “comfort contract” can be implemented, allowing patients or their surrogates to designate their expected level of postsurgical overall comfort and specify chronic discomforts and interventions used at home for relief. This contract aims to enhance communication, promote shared decision-making, and improve patient comfort.
Components of the Comfort Contract
- Expected Level of Postsurgical Overall Comfort: Patients or their surrogates will have the opportunity to designate their desired level of comfort following surgery. This can be on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 representing the highest level of comfort. By explicitly discussing and documenting this expectation, healthcare providers can tailor their interventions and care plans accordingly to meet the patient’s specific needs.
- Chronic Discomforts: Patients will be provided with a list of common chronic discomforts that they may experience and will have the opportunity to specify their personal chronic discomforts, if any. This can include conditions such as arthritis pain, migraines, or back pain. By identifying and acknowledging these chronic discomforts, healthcare providers can develop strategies to manage them effectively during the patient’s hospital stay.
- Home Interventions for Relief: Patients will be encouraged to share the interventions they currently use at home to alleviate their chronic discomforts. This can include medications, physical therapy exercises, relaxation techniques, or alternative therapies. By incorporating these interventions into the patient’s care plan during their hospital stay, healthcare providers can ensure continuity of care and provide relief for chronic discomforts.
- Discussion and Agreement: The comfort contract will involve a discussion between the patient or their surrogate and the healthcare provider. This discussion will focus on setting realistic expectations, understanding the patient’s chronic discomforts, and ensuring that the interventions used at home for relief are safe and appropriate. The contract will serve as a mutual agreement between the patient and the healthcare provider to work collaboratively towards achieving optimal comfort during the hospital stay.
- Regular Assessment and Reevaluation: The comfort contract will be regularly assessed and reevaluated to ensure that the patient’s comfort needs are being met. Healthcare providers will have ongoing conversations with the patient or their surrogate to discuss any changes in comfort expectations, chronic discomforts, or interventions used at home. This iterative process will allow for adjustments to the care plan and interventions as needed.
Benefits of the Comfort Contract
Implementing a comfort contract can have several benefits for both patients and healthcare providers:
- Enhanced Communication: The contract facilitates open and honest communication between patients or their surrogates and healthcare providers, promoting a shared understanding of comfort expectations and chronic discomforts.
- Improved Patient Satisfaction: By actively involving patients in the decision-making process and addressing their specific comfort needs, satisfaction levels are likely to increase. Patients will feel heard, understood, and cared for, leading to a more positive healthcare experience.
- Tailored Care Plans: The comfort contract provides valuable information that allows healthcare providers to tailor care plans to meet individual patient needs. This personalized approach can lead to better pain management, improved symptom control, and overall enhanced comfort during the hospital stay.
- Continuity of Care: By incorporating home interventions for relief into the care plan, healthcare providers ensure continuity of care and support patients in managing their chronic discomforts effectively.
- Empowerment and Engagement: The comfort contract empowers patients to actively participate in their care and decision-making process. It promotes a sense of engagement, ownership, and partnership between patients and healthcare providers.
Conclusion
The implementation of a “comfort contract” can significantly contribute to improved patient satisfaction and comfort during the hospital stay. By discussing and meeting patients’ expectations, acknowledging chronic discomforts, and incorporating home interventions for relief, healthcare providers can provide patient-centered care that addresses individual needs. This contract serves as a tool for communication, shared decision-making, and collaboration, ultimately enhancing the overall healthcare experience and promoting optimal comfort for patients.
