THERAPEUTIC COMMUNICATION AND THE COURSE OF THE POSTOPERATIVE PERIOD

Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the effects of therapeutic communication with the patient in a stressful medical situation related to a major surgical procedure. Methods: The study included 60 patients of the orthopedic and trauma ward who underwent knee endoprosthesis implantation (51 women and 9 men). A total of 30 people were qualified to the experimental group and 30 to the control group. In the experimental group, in addition to the standard procedure, an additional, supportive interview with each patient by an experienced nurse took place. The control group was prepared in a standard way. The study used the analysis of medical records and a questionnaire created by the authors. Results: Better therapeutic effects were found when the therapeutic treatment was combined with communication containing informational and emotional support and empathy. In the experimental group, a decrease in the use of analgesics and sedatives and a faster recovery were observed. Significantly better well-being, greater satisfaction with nursing care and a higher overall assessment of the ward were also observed. Conclusions: The skillful combination of proper medical management with therapeutically oriented communication containing a significant degree of emotional support and empathy improves the course of the postoperative period in patients undergoing orthopedic surgery. It is advisable to conduct and develop training for medical staff aimed at improving therapeutic contact with patients.