Backus programs help patients gain confidence and heal faster after surgery
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Sometimes it takes more than the latest technology or medical expertise for patients to have successful surgeries.
Whether it's complementary therapies or educational programs, Backus offers a number of programs for patients to help them gain confidence before surgery and heal faster afterwards.
The Sail Through Surgery program gives Backus pediatric patients a chance to visit and learn about the hospital before their operation. Pediatric patients are taken through the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU, often called the Recovery Room), Same Day Surgery and operating rooms. They are connected to a monitor and see a stretcher. The program, held twice a month, lasts about 30 minutes and questions are answered afterwards. The children also get to take home a special blue bag to bring their favorite toy or blanket with them for their procedure.
Parents will receive information about the program with their child's admission form, and the program is listed in the monthly calendar in Healthy Connections.
For patients who will undergo joint replacement or sonie surgery there is a Total Care program to review the procedures, whether it is hip or knee joint replacement or spine fusion surgery, what to expect from rehabilitation and pain management. The class is free, but registration is required. These programs are held several times per month, on Wednesdays.
Linda Kyle, RN, Clinical Coordinator for Same day Surgery and the pre-admission department, said patients also receive information about the Healing Touch program and other complementary care offered at the hospital. Patients can then make requests to receive services while they are at the hospital.
Patients can learn guided imagery techniques to help relax and calm them before surgery in the "Prepare for Surgery - Heal Faster" program offered by the Center for Healthcare Integration (CHI). There is a fee for the 90-minute class, which includes the purchase of a book and CD or tape. Ideally it should be taken one to three weeks before surgery. Classes, taught by Paula Novak, RN, a Healing Touch practitioner, are offered twice a week.