Section 3. The patient experience of undergoing surgery

In this section, we help you to integrate what is discussed in earlier chapters through a series of case studies, focusing on three different kinds of patient care experiences and underpinned by a research evidence base.

The case studies focus on the surgical journey and link to previous chapters through specific learning exercises during clinical placements. They also help you to understand the importance of a holistic approach to the patient journey. This includes the importance of your developing a knowledge base of both normal physiology and abnormal physiology as a result of surgery and postoperatively. The case studies also introduce you to ways in which you can meet your practice outcomes in the variety of clinical placements identified as ‘surgical’.