Research Fellow University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
Introduction: Patients undergoing spinal surgery and their loved ones often experience emotional distress in the months leading up to surgery. Extensive medical testing, radiographic studies, and conversations about the surgical plan, including a discussion of risks, benefits, and alternatives to surgery, are typically required prior to a spinal procedure. Recognizing the limitations of clinicians who have not personally undergone these surgeries, the most valuable support system that can be provided to patients is a peer connection with a shared experience.
Methods: Spine surgeons, residents, fellows, advanced practice providers (APPs), and nurses were informed of the developing support group. The providers were asked to identify pre- and postoperative patients with spine disease during scheduled clinic visits and distribute brochures for the support group. Patients were invited via email or by QR code link to Microsoft Forms on the brochure. Three patient attendees were requested to deliver 10-minute talks about their experiences. The planned two-hour event was structured as follows: dinner for 30 minutes, opening remarks by APPs for five minutes, remarks by neurosurgeons for 10 minutes, talks by three patients totaling 30 minutes, and an open meet-and-greet for 45 minutes.
Results: There were 16 RSVP responses for 29 tentative attendees. On the day of the event, 19 individuals, including patients and family members, attended the support group meeting. Post-event surveys sent by email yielded positive qualitative feedback and an intention to return for the following meeting in three months.
Conclusion : Patients and their families were able to build relationships with others through shared experiences. Patients provided feedback to the clinicians on the benefits of patient-to-patient rapport and encouraged continued support group meetings.
.jpg)
