RCoA patient information – our achievements in 2023

PIF TICK re-certification of our patient information resources

We are delighted that our resources were re-certified under the Patient Information Forum Trusted Information Creator Kitemark accreditation scheme for 2023. The PIF TICK sets rigorous standards for the creation of health information from accessibility to user involvement and much more.

Updated RCoA patient information leaflets

Over the past year, we have been busy updating the leaflets in the main series to make sure they reflect the latest clinical practice and evidence. The updated leaflets are now displayed as webpages which makes it easier for departments and patients to access the most recent version and avoid the risk of broken links from old pdfs. However pdfs are still available at the bottom of each page for those who need to print copies of the leaflets. We do not provide printed copies of our leaflets, but instructions on using, downloading and printing them can be found here.

As well as explaining about different types of anaesthetics and what to expect, the updated leaflets place a stronger emphasis on shared decision making and offer tools to support discussions between patients and healthcare professionals.

QR posters for waiting areas

We have created a series of posters with QR codes for anaesthetic departments to display in waiting areas. By scanning the QR codes on their phones, patients can quickly access and browse through our patient information resources. Additionally, the posters can be printed in A4 size and added to preoperative information packs. All of the posters can be accessed here.

Updated Fitter Better Sooner and Preparing your mind

Our popular toolkit to help patients prepare for surgery has also been updated with the latest evidence and clinical practice. In addition we have added new resources ‘Preparing your mind’ to the toolkit. These consist of information and relaxation recordings created in collaboration with the British Society of Clinical and Academy Hypnosis to help patients prepare mentally for surgery and help them manage preoperative anxiety. The resources can be accessed here.

Dennis has an anaesthetic –
a collaboration with the Beano studios

We’ve been delighted at the success of our collaboration with the Beano studios and the Association of Paediatric Anaesthetists, Dennis has an anaesthetic. Dennis has an anaesthetic helps children understand what it's like to have a general anaesthetic, using familiar Beano characters to help reduce any anxiety they may have about surgery. Children aged 7–11 can accompany Dennis on a fun-filled journey as he prepares to have his tonsils removed, from diagnosis to discharge from hospital.

Through reading the online comic strip, children will have their questions answered, including:

  • what is a general anaesthetic and is it safe? 
  • how will I feel when I wake up? 
  • how can I prepare for my operation?
  • what should I do if I am worried or have questions?

To complement the comic strip, we have also created the A-Team challenge to empower children and their families to make changes to lifestyle ahead of the operation, such as eating a balanced diet and getting plenty of sleep and exercise. As part of the challenge children can complete a reward chart and receive a fun Beano sticker. We hope these resources will help you meet the objectives of Make Every Contact Count. You can download the print-ready artwork of all the Beano resources from the Dropbox folder here or order printed copies from Hardings Print Solutions via Mr Brett Joyner.

Coming up in 2024

As the new year approaches we will be turning our attention to reviewing our risk information series. We will be working with the Winton Centre for risk communication to do a deep dive on the latest evidence in risk communication and how best to present risk associated with anaesthetics to patients. From this work we aim to do a complete overhaul of our risk series, involving and co-producing with patients and their representatives.

We have also collaborated with the ME Association and their network of experts by experience to produce a resource on anaesthesia and ME/CFS to help this community of patients navigate the perioperative period. The resource will also be useful to patients with long COVID. We hope that the resource will also be helpful for healthcare professionals to understand how to care and make adjustments for these patients.

We hope you have found this update useful and please feel free to share it with relevant colleagues.

Should you have any questions or require further information, please email patientinformation@rcoa.ac.uk.