Introduction
The brochure to be reviewed comes under the name “Anesthesia and Sedation”, and it was published on June 14th, 2021, on the site of The Joint Commission. This inclusive handout is one of several publications from The Joint Commission’s “Speak Up” effort that seeks to empower patients and practitioners with precious information regarding the administration of anaesthesia and sedation (The Joint Commission, 2021). Through this brochure, patients are informed about the safety protocols that are important before and after the administration of anaesthesia or sedation. As a result, the brochure works as a helpful tool in improving the outcomes and decision-making of patients. Speaking to both the healthcare providers and patients, the brochure will provide support through guidelines, risk considerations, and responsible management of anaesthesia and sedation during medical operations.
Summary of Brochure
Anesthesia is a medical process which includes administering drugs to reduce the level of pain a patient experiences during surgical or medical procedures (The Joint Commission, 2021). It consists of numerous options, and depending on a person’s needs, local anaesthesia, regional anaesthesia, and general anaesthesia may be utilized. Local anaesthesia is a way to target a particular location, as, in this case, it is a part of the body where the procedure is to be carried out. Usually, it is injected to produce numbing in the area. While using regional anaesthesia, certain parts of the body become numb through injections that are released near the surgical site. General anaesthesia involves the whole body of the person, including the part that makes the person unconscious and pain-free; the common method is through inhaling or intravenous injection. In the event, that patients are getting anaesthesia, they should be communicating their medical history, allergies and any other issues specifically to their healthcare provider to ensure the safe and effective administration of anaesthesia.
Sedation tries to induce relaxation using drugs, and it is often used alongside anaesthesia (The Joint Commission, 2021). It can produce a range of consciousness, ranging from being wide awake to being tired or light asleep. Sedation enables the patients to be soothed and comfy during the procedures, which can vary from just minimal sedation to deeper levels of unconsciousness. Patients need to disclose any relevant medical history, medications, or anaesthesia issues in their family to take proper precautions, as sedation management is of primary importance in the process. In some cases, after surgery or procedures, fatigue can be experienced as a sedative lingers, leading to the need of the patient to follow the post-operation instructions given by the health care provider.
Before undergoing the surgery or the procedures, patients should invest their time in educating themselves and conducting research, asking questions when doubtful, and determining and appointing an advocate to help with communication (The Joint Commission, 2021). It is important to follow pre-procedure guidelines concerning eating, drinking, and medication intake, as well as to make transport arrangements and post-procedure care. The post-procedure patients should follow post-surgery guidelines, like staying away from driving, important decisions making, and any activities until necessity. The healthcare team communicates with their patients, advice given to patients is followed, and the existence of follow-up helps a patient to stage a swift recovery after anaesthesia and sedation.
Patient Communication
Patient Education is an important element in assuring successful anaesthesia and sedation cases. Before surgery or medical procedures, patients should be actively seeking information and communicate with the healthcare providers to get a full and comprehensive understanding of what will happen during the process. Among these is the inquiry about the advantages and disadvantages of anaesthetic and also discussing issues on fear or preferences of sedation options. With this knowledge, patients can decide on their own to choose what type of treatment is best to reduce their anxiety. Moreover, patients should receive clear instructions on how to handle anaesthesia and sedation management, including instructions on a diet, intake of medications, and activity levels. Knowing the instructions after the operation is important for a successful rehabilitation without danger and undesirable consequences. At the same time, patients should be able to voice their questions and worries as well as ask how to get the necessary materials for a certain procedure. In case they do not remember or comprehend clearly, they should write down the instructions. By attending conscious postoperative care and following the recommendations given, patients will have the chance to achieve the best possible recovery and contribute to their overall wellness after anaesthesia or sedation procedures.
Personal Reflection
The topic of Anesthesia and Sedation amazingly captures my imagination. Since I started studying medicine, I have imagined anaesthesia as something which I would try to understand to use on patients as I try to save a life. As a patient who has previously undergone a few surgical procedures, I discovered the anesthesiology branch much more intriguing. Therefore, patient-centred healthcare requires teamwork that encompasses caregivers and patients. This way helps to eliminate these pediatric care inaccuracies and also raises the average cure effectiveness. Parents and guardians need to educate themselves on the preventive measures they need to undertake to reduce the risk of such accidents in their children.
Evaluation of Brochure
The brochure on Anesthesia and Sedation brings a complete understanding of such crucial issues not only to the patients before surgery but also to medical practitioners. It is an organized layout that uses a language that everyone can understand so that even complex concepts are made clear and easy to comprehend by patients, which enables them to make the best health decisions possible. The addition of different anaesthesia types, as well as explaining their functions and possible implications, ensures patients’ literacy on the options and enables them to communicate their choices not only in a comprehensive way but in a protective manner. Moreover, the aim to inform patients as well as give them preparatory as well as post-procedure instructions illustrates the exploration of patient-centered care and patient success, as that is all that matters in this brochure. Nevertheless, these brochures often cover the core aspects of anaesthesia and sedation while providing comprehensive information. Still, they could improve with more visual aids such as illustrations to improve the understanding, especially for patients with limited literacy.
Evidence Review and Application
I am confident that this information in the brochure will provide the necessary tools for better patient safety. When caregivers give great attention to their children’s medications, the probability of occurrences of mistakes like overdose decreases. Furthermore, this will ensure correct patient identification to reduce medication errors, consequently adding to patient safety.
Conclusion
This brochure is undoubtedly a very educational medium of information that provides caregivers with valuable and useful information to participate actively in the care of children. Caregivers are requested to constantly supervise the usage of medicines, including laboratory investigations and drug and procedure-related side effects. Moreover, the brochure offers directions on what to do before the surgery and what to expect after the operation. The information is useful not only for a carer but also for a healthcare provider who needs it for patient education. With the questions provided in the brochure, the instances of errors such as medication errors could be greatly reduced in the healthcare delivery of children.
References
The Joint Commission. (2021). Speak Up: Anesthesia and Sedation [Brochure]. Oakbrook Terrace, IL: Author.
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