Determination of Health Information-Seeking Behaviors of Surgical Patients via Internet/Social Media After Discharge

Objective: To determine the learning needs of surgical patients via the internet/social media after discharge. Methods: This descriptive study's population comprised all patients discharged from the surgical clinics of a university hospital after surgery between 12 December 2021 and 04 April 2022. A total of 180 patients participated in the study. Data were collected using a form created by the researchers and the Patient Learning Needs Scale. Results: The mean age of the patients who participated in the study was 52.48±16.78 years; 67.22% were female, and 50.55% were primary school graduates. It was determined that patients obtained most of their information from the YouTube application (39.34%), and after surgery, they used social media since it offered more accessible access to healthcare professionals. 42.22% of the patients answered “undecided” to the question “Are internet/social media applications a reliable source for obtaining information about surgery?” The participants’ mean total score on the Patient Learning Needs Scale was 174.00±33.00, and the subscale with the highest importance level was considered skincare at 4.27 ±0.52. Conclusion: Most discharged patients use the internet to seek information about their surgery. Their Patient Learning Needs Scale score was above average, and the highest subscale score was skincare. It is recommended that nurses working in surgical clinics consider the needs of patients when planning discharge education and provide them with reliable sources that can be accessed when needed.