The importance of communication during the postoperative recovery period

Abstract

The objective of this study was to learn about the importance of communication when the nursing team gives postoperative orientations to patients and/or relatives at a private institution, and learn their perception about those orientations. This cross-sectional, descriptive study was performed using a qualitative approach, having Interpersonal Communication and Content Analysis as the theoretical and methodological frameworks, respectively. Participants were 16 patients interviewed in the postoperative period. Results showed that the nursing team focused the orientations on the instrumental techniques of the professions and did not approach the individuals in a holistic manner. It was also observed that when the nurse stands away from the patient and/or does not provide appropriate information, it generates feelings of anxiety, fear, insecurity and a sensation of lack of care in the patients. On the other hand, when the nursing team is present and provides coherent information, patients reported high satisfaction and a feeling of being well cared for.