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.
Full Answer Section
Chronic Discomforts
The patient has the following chronic discomforts:
- [List of chronic discomforts]
The patient typically uses the following interventions to relieve these discomforts:
Nursing Interventions
The nurse agrees to the following nursing interventions to help the patient achieve their comfort goals:
- Provide pain relief that is effective and does not cause side effects.
- Help the patient to move around and get out of bed as soon as possible.
- Teach the patient how to use their chronic discomfort interventions.
Evaluation
The patient and nurse will meet regularly to evaluate the patient's comfort goals. The patient will rate their comfort level on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the least comfortable and 10 being the most comfortable. The nurse will also assess the patient's comfort level and make recommendations for changes to the comfort plan.
Signatures
Patient: ___________________________________________ Nurse: ___________________________________________ Date: ___________________________________________
Notes
- This contract is not a substitute for medical advice. The patient should always consult with their doctor about their specific comfort needs.
- The patient's comfort goals may change over time. The patient and nurse should review the contract regularly to make sure that it is still meeting the patient's needs.
- The nurse is committed to providing the patient with the best possible comfort care. If the patient is not satisfied with their comfort level, they should talk to the nurse so that the plan can be adjusted.
Benefits of a Comfort Contract
There are a number of benefits to having a comfort contract. First, it helps to ensure that the patient's comfort needs are met. Second, it can help to reduce anxiety and stress for the patient. Third, it can help to improve communication between the patient and the nurse.
Conclusion
A comfort contract is a valuable tool that can help to improve the patient's comfort after surgery. It is important to discuss the patient's expectations and needs with the nurse so that a plan can be developed that meets those needs. By working together, the patient and nurse can ensure that the patient has a comfortable and positive recovery experience.