Abstract
M.Cur.
Refined equipment, heightened technology and improved surgical techniques in
the field of ophthalmology have all resulted in a marked shift towards
ambulatory, outpatient surgical treatment and day surgery and therefore shortened
hospital stay for patients. This leaves patients and their next-of-kin with the
responsibility for own care after treatment. To be able to accomplish this, they
need adequate and relevant health education. Nurses are faced with the
responsibility of imparting this information in order to enable patients to make
decisions or choices that will address their health behaviour and thus influence
their lifestyle. It is therefore necessary to use strategies of health education that
will bring about this change of behaviour. One such strategy is values
clarification.
The aim of this study was to explore and describe the health education experience
of patients undergoing ophthalmic day surgery before and after the health
educator attends a workshop in values clarification.
The study was conducted in two phases, with a workshop in values clarification
as intervention between the phases. During Phase 1, phenomenological
interviews were held with patients before the health educator attended the
workshop in values clarification. The health educator then attended a workshop
in values clarification. Thereafter, phenomenological interviews were again held
with patients. Data analysis was done and findings were compared and discussed
together with a literature control. The trustworthiness of the study was
determined according to Lincoln and Guba's model. Conclusions and
recommendations were made and guidelines, based on findings, were set for preoperative
health education of patients undergoing ophthalmic surgery.