DNP Final Report: A PREOPERATIVE EDUCATIONAL INITIATIVE TO IMPROVE PATIENT SATISFACTION

Background: Patient satisfaction is crucial in outpatient surgery and relies on effective communication during brief interactions (Akyüz & Erdem, 2021). The Joint Commission emphasizes coordinated perioperative communication to achieve optimal outcomes (Commission, 2024). Starting in 2025, Medicare-certified outpatient centers must report patient satisfaction scores based on the OAS CAHPS and face penalties for noncompliance (Medicare & Medicaid, 2025). With 12.4 to 19.2 million ambulatory surgeries performed annually in the U.S. (NASS, 2025; AHRQ, 2022), many patients lack adequate preoperative education (Tanner & Morgan, 2022). Practice Question: In patients who undergo outpatient/ same-day surgery (P), how can preoperative communication and education initiated by a preoperative phone call (I), compared to no preoperative communication and education initiated by a preoperative phone call (C), influence patient satisfaction (O), over 90 days (T)? Body of Evidence: A literature search, supported by the Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice Model and the Plan-Do-Study-Act Model, established that standardized preoperative calls and educational materials in the electronic health record were fit and feasible for this project. Implementation: We recorded call quality and collected qualitative data, using univariate correlation p-values and Chi-square tests to analyze demographic factors and patient satisfaction. OAS CAHPS survey results were assessed using descriptive statistics to measure outcomes before and after the intervention. Outcomes: The intervention enhanced nurse communication and patient satisfaction. Impact: Patients found clarity in the perioperative process through preoperative calls. Sustainability: Improved scheduling and readiness were noted, with patient feedback aiding the quality improvement team in personalizing care.