The brief

Patients coming into hospital for cardiac surgery tend to have better outcomes if they take an active part in preparing themselves before their operation. Knowing what is likely to happen during their hospital stay as well as fully understanding the benefits of giving up smoking, eating a healthy diet and taking appropriate exercise can help every patient to improve their chance of a full and speedy recovery. Papworth Hospital required a DVD that patients could take home from their first pre-surgical apointment to help them prepare themselves for their upcoming surgery and to ensure that their recovery was as rapid and successful as possible.

Our solution

Working closely with clinical experts at Papworth Hospital, Media Studio made a five-chapter DVD to be given to patients at their first pre-operative appointment. It is also shown in the hospital waiting room. The DVD takes patients through their journey, describing tests and scans and giving advice for every stage of their treatment and care. The expert contributors include surgeon, anaesthetist, dietitian, pharmacist, specialist nurses, physiotherapist and occupational therapist. 

Three thousand copies of the DVD were made and it has become an integral part of Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust's Enhanced Recovery Programme for surgical patients.