"Poor surgical follow up"

I recently had a fall in the hospital resulting in a fractured elbow. The staff dealing with this were excellent but I felt the aftercare in the orthopedic clinic was inadequate.

I was seen for a post-operative consult and the doctor flew in and advised I need to come back in a week after examining my wound. They immediately left and I was thinking they would return as I hadn't been given any information. I asked the physio when the doctor was coming back and they advised they weren't. I advised I hadn't been given any information. The physio asked what do you want to know. I replied, lots of things such as how long am I off work, what can I do and not do, etc. The physio abruptly, I felt, informed me that I should have asked! I was rather shocked. I believe patients should be given all relevant information required for future care. Not, ‘have to ask’ as this is the job of the Clinician!

I went back in the following week and saw the same doctor. They again appeared to be very busy. They asked me a few questions and flew out before I could ask pertinent information for future care.

I rang the clinic and requested an appointment. Unfortunately, I had already waited 4 x hours for a consult and had another appointment so when the doctor finally called I was unable to talk.

I again booked another appointment for the following week (which was the earliest). This doctor was fantastic after I explained my disappointing orthopedic experiences. He provided me with extensive information such as wearing my sling except when sitting, not lifting more than a pen, I would need at least 6-8 weeks of time off work and only returning to light duties etc. He also advised that 2 x screws had broken off in my arm during the surgery.

What I want to express is my disappointment in not receiving adequate information about my appointments for adequate healing as I had been lifting small items and wasn't wearing a sling.

Patients should be given a full education on the dos and don’ts post-surgery and what the future may hold, its just as important or even more than the surgery. What if I was elderly or from a non English speaking background. I also believe information should be given in written form as some patients can be on heavy pain relief resulting in poor memory. Like me, receiving this information is imperative for adequate healing and preventing further health issues.

I feel medicine has lost its personal touch and the basics are being missed due to staff being so busy. I believe it's the basics that are going to keep patients safe and essential in all medical interventions.