SP6.11 - What the Doctor Said: Evaluation of Discharge Information to Inpatient Colorectal Patients

Aims To establish clarity of post operative information for patients for elective colorectal patients. To establish comprehensiveness of discharge information for elective colorectal patients. Methods 100 consecutive discharge summaries were collected from a busy elective colorectal unit. These were evaluated against NHS England’s discharge standards as well as a defunct local “After Care Advice’ form. Anonymous data were collated on Google Sheets and analysed. Results Patients had a median age of 68, with 54% being female. Operations ranged from EUA to exenteration with the most common operations being reversal of ileostomy (9%), laparoscopic right hemicolectomy (8%) and laparoscopic anterior resection (8%). The mode of length of stay was 9 days. Two patients were given the incorrect name of procedure on their discharge paperwork. 61% were not given details of investigations performed during admission with only 12% given details and timescales of tests to be performed on discharge. Follow up details were relayed to 77% on their discharge summaries. Of those that has wounds closed, 77% were not given details on how, with 97% receiving no wound care advice. Patients did not receive advice on return to activity (99%), bleeding (96%), anaesthetic limitations (100%) or driving (99%). Only 8% received information regarding VTE prophylaxis while 94% were not given infection advice. Despite these being colorectal operations, 94% did not receive any advice regarding bowel function or use of laxatives. Conclusions These results indicate that patients are not receiving adequate information regarding their time in hospital, their procedures or what to expect afterwards. This must improve.