What is surgery?
Surgery is the branch of medicine that deals with the treatment of disease and injury through surgical action on the patient's body. It is a broad and complex field that encompasses a variety of procedures, ranging from simple outpatient procedures to complex surgeries requiring sophisticated equipment and specialised skills.
Surgery can be divided into several main areas, depending on the area of the body where operations are performed and the type of conditions that are treated. Here are some of the most important areas of surgery:
- General surgery: deals with a wide range of procedures, including operations on abdominal organs, such as appendectomy and gallbladder removal.
- Orthopaedic surgery: Focuses on the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries and conditions, including fractures, dislocations and diseases of the joints and bones.
- Cardiac surgery: specialises in operations on the heart and large blood vessels, such as bypasses and valve replacement.
- Neurosurgery: deals with operations on the brain, spine and nervous system.
- Plastic surgery: Includes reconstruction and correction of congenital or acquired defects, as well as aesthetic procedures to improve the patient's appearance.
- Oncological surgery: Focuses on the treatment of cancer by removing tumours and cancerous tissue.
Empathetic communication with the patient
Humanisation in surgery starts with empathetic communication with the patient. Surgeons and medical staff should take the time to carefully explain procedures, risks and expected outcomes. It is important that patients feel understood and have the opportunity to ask questions. Good communication reduces fear of surgery and increases trust in the medical team.
Empathetic communication also includes listening to the patient's concerns and incorporating them into the treatment plan. Personalising the approach to each patient, taking into account their unique needs and preferences, is key to creating a positive medical experience.
Comfort and emotional support
Providing patient comfort and emotional support before, during and after surgery is a key part of humanising surgery. Before surgery, patients may experience anxiety and stress about the upcoming procedure. Medical staff should take steps to alleviate these fears by offering emotional support and creating a calm, welcoming environment.
During surgery, although the patient is usually under anaesthesia, it is important that medical staff treat the patient with respect and care for their dignity. After surgery, emotional support and care are essential to help the patient through the recovery process.
Patient involvement in decision-making
Another key element of humanisation in surgery is the active involvement of the patient in the decision-making process regarding their treatment. Patients should have the right to be fully informed about their treatment options and be able to participate in the choice of the most appropriate treatment method.
Treatment decisions should be made jointly by the patient and the medical team, taking into account the patient's individual needs, preferences and values. This partnership model of medical care increases patient engagement and improves patient outcomes.
Personalisation of post-operative care
Personalisation of post-operative care is another key aspect of humanisation in surgery. After surgery, patients require individually tailored care to ensure the best possible recovery. The post-operative care plan should take into account the patient's specific needs, such as pain management, support in daily activities, as well as physical and psychological rehabilitation.
Regular follow-up visits, monitoring the patient's condition and adjusting the treatment plan according to the patient's progress are indispensable elements of personalised post-operative care. It is important that patients feel supported at every stage of the recovery process.
Modern technology in surgery
Modern surgery benefits from numerous modern technologies that support the humanisation of medical care. Examples include surgical robots that enable precise and minimally invasive surgeries, reducing recovery time and the risk of complications. Telemedicine also plays an important role, enabling remote consultation and monitoring of patients' condition after surgery, which increases the availability of care and patient comfort.
The role of the interdisciplinary team
Humanising surgery requires the collaboration of an interdisciplinary medical team that includes surgeons, anaesthetists, nurses, physiotherapists, psychologists and other specialists. Such a team is able to comprehensively address the needs of the patient, taking into account medical, emotional and social aspects.
Working together on a treatment and aftercare plan allows for better adaptation to individual patient requirements and improves patient outcomes.
Training for medical staff
In order to effectively implement humanisation in surgery, adequate training for medical staff is essential. Surgeons, nurses and other medical staff should be trained in interpersonal communication, empathy and emotional support. Regular training and workshops can help to develop these skills and maintain high standards of care.
Training should also include topics related to medical ethics, stress management and relaxation techniques that can be used to improve patient comfort. By continually improving the skills of medical staff, it is possible to provide more humanistic and holistic surgical care to patients.
Humanisation in surgery is essential to provide patients with comprehensive care that takes into account their physical, emotional and social needs. Empathetic communication, comfort and emotional support, active patient participation in decision-making, personalisation of post-operative care and regular training for medical staff are key elements of this approach. They enable patients to feel more understood, supported and involved in the treatment process, with a significant impact on their wellbeing and quality of life.