Preparedness for Surgery: Analyzing a Quality Improvement Project in a Population of Patients Undergoing Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary Surgery

Background: Approximately 20% of patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer will be eligible for hepato-pancreatico-biliary (HPB) surgery. Studies indicate that high-quality patient education is pivotal in reducing anxiety, improving clinical and performance outcomes, and increasing patient satisfaction.

Objectives: This quality improvement project sought to determine the perceived level of preparedness for patients undergoing HPB surgery and to identify information and knowledge gaps in preoperative education.

Methods: Convenience sampling was used to collect postoperative information via questionnaire from 50 patients regarding areas of importance.

Findings: Preoperative information gaps for patient and family education were identified. Improving preparedness for HPB surgery has the potential to improve clinical outcomes, increase quality and patient satisfaction, decrease length of stay, and reduce time to adjuvant therapy.