Posted by Rich Spurr on February 20, 1998 at 09:14:09:
In Reply to: Re: Marilyn's Problem posted by Peggy on February 19, 1998 at 17:05:45:
: :
: : : : Let's move on to Marilyn's problem.
: : : Improve patient satisfaction by informing patients of
: : : tentative time for procedure with explanation that
: : : it could vary by 1-11/2 hours
: : The pts. and families need to realized that during these procedures often time the doc.s are going to find unexpected problems or findings and need to deal with them on the spot.
: You are right but patients and families are only concerned about what is
: going on with them. They are not interested in other patients and their problems
: The time frame that was suggested in some cases is still not enough. I have been involved in cases where we have
told the family it could 1-11/2 hours variance and it still ran past. Giving a family member a time estimate can
be both good or bad depending in the procedure that is being performed. What I tell the family is I will come and notify
them when the procedure is completed. If they request a time, I give them the best estimate that I
can. However, I inform them that it can be longer and try not to worry.