Thanks to funding from LNWH Charity, through the transformation innovation fund, Sam Evans, enhanced recovery and robotic surgical care practitioner, is working on producing an informative animation video for patients.

She said: “It’s really important to get patients up and moving and eating and drinking within 24 hours after their operation, to help with their recovery and reduce complications, but there is a lack of information for them about why they need to do it.

“Evidence shows that the most effective way to educate patients is using a method which includes both words and visual tools. Research highlighted that this was the most effective way to convey, motivate and successfully improve patients’ mobility and nutrition after surgery which means they spend less time recovering in hospital.

“The evidence is clear that if patients understand the benefits, they are more likely to comply, and visual images and pictures are much more engaging than simple printed information leaflets.

“Sourcing a reputable animator to produce the video was challenging, but I tracked one down who has lots of experience working with the NHS and understood my requirements.

“It’s been a lengthy process, and a huge learning curve for me. But thanks to great input from my colleagues, I’m hoping the video will be available on the St. Mark’s hospital website and social media sites shortly, which is really exciting.

“We recently employed four therapy care assistants on our wards to help get patients up and moving after surgery, and I’m hoping they can use the videos on handheld tablets to show to patients.

“The aim is that the video will be shown to patients in outpatients, emailed to them as part of their pre-assessment and used on the ward to re-enforce the importance of this message.

“Without the funding I received, this project simply would not have been possible, so I’d definitely recommend that colleagues consider applying if they have a great project that they need help with.”