Endocrine Abstracts

Background: Pre-pituitary surgery, patients attend a ‘Pre-Pituitary Surgery Clinic’ (PPSC), to discuss management options and risks. Clinicians in attendance are; pituitary surgeon (1) registrar (1) endocrine team consultants (1–3), registrars (1–2) nurses (1) senior house officer (1) visiting doctors/medical students (4–6). Patients are informed a number of clinicians attend the clinic due to the multidisciplinary nature (MDT) and unit teaching responsibilities. Formal audit of patients’ views was performed following informal comments from a number of patients, who felt uncomfortable with the number of personnel present.

Aim: To determine patient satisfaction when attending the (PPSC).

Method: 30 patients invited to complete an 8 part anonymous questionnaire, comprising yes/no answers or scores (1–10).

Results: (30/30) Departmental facilities met individual needs. 29/30 Received sufficient information. 1/30 Admission letter went missing. 30/30 Involved with decisions. 30/30 Benefits of treatment discussed. 27/30 Surgery risks discussed. 1/30 Not applicable. 2/30 Risks not discussed. 28/30 Able to discuss concerns. Scale 1 happy – 10 very unhappy regarding number of personnel in room. 18 <3 (54%) Very happy with number of personnel. 11 >7 (33%) Unhappy with number of personnel. Comments: Poor signage to endocrine department for drivers. Intimidating experience. Friendly, helpful, welcoming, well informed staff. Clinicians present at (PPSC) varied between 4 and 13.

Conclusion: All patients felt part of the decision-making process. Although all were aware of discussion of the benefits of surgery, 2/30 could not recall discussion of the risks. While 60% of patients were happy with the number of personnel in attendance 36.7% felt the number of people was intimidating. We have now assigned a separate room where patients will have the opportunity to see the core clinicians involved in their care if this is their preference. The survey will be repeated following introduction of this change.