Virtual Surgery School (VSS) is an educational program designed to help patients prepare for surgery and improve their recovery.
Empowering patients for a better surgical journey
What is Virtual Surgery School?
VSS consists of a series of educational videos to help patients prepare for their surgical procedures. Each video is between 3 and 8 minutes long.
VSS is an important part of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery plus prehabilitation (ERAS+), which is a program that aims to:
- optimise patients’ health before surgery
- reduce complications
- enhance recovery
- shorten hospital stays
The ERAS+ program is currently available for some head and neck, and orthopaedic procedures. Find out more about ERAS+ in the link below:
The Virtual Surgery School was developed in collaboration with healthcare professionals and patients from the RMH, the Royal Women’s Hospital, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Werribee Mercy Hospital and Western Health.
Why complete Virtual Surgery School?
The virtual surgery school videos will provide you with evidence-based advice and practical strategies to improve your health before surgery and support your recovery afterward. The seven core topics covered by VSS are listed below.
Optimising your health before surgery is very much something within your control. Even small changes, such as improving nutrition, staying active and managing anxieties, can greatly impact your recovery.
We encourage you to watch the videos with your family or support network and follow the advice within the videos before your surgery. If you have any questions after watching the videos, speak with your treating team, surgical liaison nurse or general practitioner.
Core topics:
VSS currently has seven core topics covering essential preparation strategies relevant to any planned surgery. Explore the list below to prepare for your upcoming procedure. All core topics are also available in multiple languages (Arabic, Cantonese, English, Greek, Mandarin, and Vietnamese).
Learn about the A-COUGH program, designed to improve lung function and reduce patients' risk of chest infections and even pneumonia, which may occur after any planned surgery.
The video in this section will give you information about what to expect after surgery and how your healthcare team will monitor and manage your pain.
Eating habits can have a great impact on patients' recovery after surgery. Watch some key information about nutrition before and after surgery, and its importance in contributing to the best patient outcomes.
Watch some key recommendations to help you prepare psychologically for your upcoming surgery.
There are many benefits to exercising or doing physical activity before and after planned surgery. Moving in the lead up to your planned surgery can improve the outcomes of your recovery.
Why is stopping smoking essential to improving your recovery outcomes after surgery? Quitting smoking brings benefits to overall health and is especially important for patients with planned surgery, to follow this recommendation.
Patients undergoing surgery, especially those with planned procedures, have options and strategies they can follow to prepare for their procedure, aiming for the best possible recovery outcomes. Maintaining clear communication with the medical staff caring for you is key to helping your process.
Other ways to access the Virtual Surgery School
If Virtual Surgery School is appropriate for your surgery, your treating team will assign the videos to you through the Health Hub patient portal. You’ll find them in the ‘Education’ section of your account.
You will receive an activation email from donotreply@phs.org.au. Please check your spam folder and add this address to your safe sender's list.
If you’re having trouble registering or accessing your account, get in touch with the Health Hub Help Desk:
Don’t see Virtual Surgery School in your Health Hub?
If you think VSS is appropriate for your upcoming surgery, but you don’t see it assigned in your Health Hub account, please speak with your:
- Surgical Liaison Nurse
- Treating Team
They can confirm whether VSS is part of your preparation and make sure it is assigned correctly.
Page disclaimer: The information contained in the VSS videos is for your general information and use only, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional advice and should not be used or relied on as an alternative to professional health care.
If you are suffering from an acute illness or an emergency condition, please call Triple Zero (000).