https://doi.org/10.56885/PLWR6547
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Sindiswa Ntloko, MBChB; Amanda Mayo, MD MHSc FRCPC; Anastasia Derbakova, BSc MScPT and Ahmed Kayssi*, MD MSc MPH CWSP FRCSC FACS
Abstract: Patient education is important for improving the ability to manage one’s health and optimize clinical outcomes. We identified a paucity in educational materials for patients who undergo a partial foot amputation at our institution and developed an educational brochure to address this deficit as part of a quality improvement initiative. Our aim was to increase the proportion of patients receiving pre-operative education and improve the preparation of vascular surgery patients who will undergo partial foot amputations. We produced an educational brochure to improve patient knowledge and address any preoperative concerns. The effectiveness of this educational material was assessed with a questionnaire in a cohort of patients followed since January 2023. One Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle has been completed thus far. To date, five patients have completed the questionnaire. Three patients provided verbal responses. Sixty-six percent of patients found that the information in the brochure improved their knowledge and that the language of the brochure was easy to understand. Seventy-five percent of patients were confident with caring for their wound in the post-operative period. Educational materials are an important pillar of patient care, particularly in helping to prepare patients for minor amputations where there is a high failure rate and conversion to major amputations. Our brochure was effective in improving patient awareness and knowledge before surgery.