Exploring elderly patients’ experiences and concerns about early mobilization implemented in postoperative care following lumbar spinal surgery: a qualitative study

BMC Nursing

Research

Xuemei Lu¹  Jing Han²  Pan Li³  Jie Huang³  Chenxi Lv³  Huiting Wang³ 

[1] Nursing Department, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China;School of Nursing, Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu Province, China;Spine Department, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 31, Xinjiekou East Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, China;

关键词: Early mobilization;    Elderly;    Lumbar;    Education;    Pain management;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12912-023-01510-7

 received in 2023-02-03, accepted in 2023-09-13,  发布年份 2023

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundGiven its apparent benefits, early mobilization is becoming increasingly important in spinal surgery. However, the time point at which patients first get out of bed for mobilization after spinal surgery varies widely. Beginning in January 2022, we conducted a study of early mobilization (mobilization within 4 h postoperatively) following multi-segment lumbar decompression and fusion surgery in elderly patients. The study goal was to better understand elderly patients’ perceptions of early mobilization and ultimately contribute to the improvement of elderly patients’ perioperative experiences and quality of life.MethodsWe employed a qualitative descriptive study design involving face-to-face semi-structured interviews. Forty-five consecutive patients were invited, among whom 24 were enrolled and completed the qualitative investigation from February to June 2022. Of these 24 patients, 10 underwent early mobilization (mobilization within 4 h postoperatively) and 14 underwent mobilization at ≥ 24 h postoperatively. Three researchers conducted a 15-question interview the day before each patient’s discharge. The interviews were audio-recorded, and content analysis was used to assess the data.ResultsSix themes regarding the patients’ experiences and concerns about early mobilization were identified: worries, benefits, daily routines, pain, education, and support. The study results revealed the obstacles in early mobilization practice and highlighted the importance of perioperative education on early mobilization.ConclusionsClear and explicit guidance on early mobilization and a multidisciplinary mobilization protocol that incorporates a comprehensive pain management plan are essential for effective patient education. These measures may have positive effects on reducing patients’ stress and anxiety regarding postoperative early mobilization.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© BioMed Central Ltd., part of Springer Nature 2023