Results of the nursing care standardization program in cardiac electrophysiology patients

Type of funding sources: None.

Patients undergoing surgery in the electrophysiology unit pass through the hands of several nurses from different hospital units throughout the care process. Multiple studies show the importance of interprofessional communication in improving patient health outcomes. In our hospital we have standardized protocols for each procedure. In addition, it is convenient to have the relevant information available in a more visual and accessible way in order to enhance the agility of care.

To design a summary table of the procedures performed in the electrophysiology unit with the most important points on nursing care.

A descriptive analysis of the nursing care of patients undergoing surgery in the cardiac electrophysiology unit was performed. For this purpose, meetings were held between the electrophysiology, the intensive care unit, the cardiology day hospital and the resuscitation unit nursing teams to standardize protocols between services. The needs of each service were detected and the most important nursing care notes were included in the table.

A table was drawn up with a total of 8 surgical procedures performed in electrophysiology. For each of them, 3 parts of the care process were identified: pre-operative, intraoperative and post-procedure care. Each of the parts had subdivisions (Picture 1 and 2). In addition, important contact telephone numbers were added. Once the table was done and validated, it was shared through the hospital intranet and hung in a poster in all hospital units where a cardiac patient may be attended.

The electrophysiology patient care table improved communication between professionals of the different services where the patient is attended and it also helped standardize protocols to reduce peri-surgery risks and improve morbidity and mortality, since it could prevent complications. Therefore, it guarantees the continuity of nursing care.

Poster TS EF Procedure