The development of an online resource manual for parents caring for their child at home following surgery

Abstract

Background: Every day, children all over the world undergo both emergent and elective surgical procedures. With our rapidly changing health care system, children are discharged home quicker than ever before with the responsibility of care placed on the parents and caregivers of the child. Additionally, the use of the internet is continuously increasing, with parents using the internet for health information for their children on a regular basis. The development of an online resource manual for parents caring for their child at home following surgery was completed using various methodologies. Methods: The methodologies used to help inform the need, content, and strategies for the development of the online resource included a literature review, environmental scan, and consultations. The Model of Instructional Design by Morrison, Ross, Kalman, and Kemp (2013) was used to guide the development of this project. Results: Results from the literature review concluded that the most common parental learning needs in caring for their child at home following surgery include pain assessment and management, and cast care. Health literacy and readability of materials for low literacy levels were other common themes throughout the literature. Results from both the environmental scan as well as consultations showed that online resources are a popular avenue for parents and play a vital role in discharge planning and teaching. Conclusion: For the purposes of this practicum, a paper version of an online resource for parents was developed consisting of six main modules. Integration of the resource into an online platform can be done when available resources and support can be confirmed.