Abstract

Background: Counselling for day surgery patients is one of the core components for a knee or shoulder arthroscopy patient to succeed in self-care.

Aim: This cross-sectional study examined the quality of counselling given to patients (n = 86) during their day surgery, using the Counselling Quality Instrument (CQI).

Methods: The data were analysed using basic and multivariate statistical methods.

Results: Most respondents were male and aged over 50 years. Almost all knee and shoulder arthroscopy patients were satisfied with the counselling given on follow-up and rehabilitation as well as the counselling given relating to wound and pain treatment. There was a lack of patient-centred and goal-oriented counselling, although interaction during counselling was good. Counselling was perceived as providing benefit in regard to a patient’s self-care, emotions and knowledge. Respondents aged below 40 years were more dissatisfied with counselling for day surgery than those aged 40 years and over.

Conclusion: This study identified a need to train healthcare staff in patient-centred and goal-oriented counselling. Counselling with people who are aged below 40 years should take account of patients’ specific concerns.