Postoperative ambulation in thoracic surgery patients: standard versus modern ambulation methods

Area of Science:

• Surgical Nursing
• Patient Mobility
• Healthcare Innovation

Background:

• Postoperative ambulation is challenging for thoracic surgery patients due to their condition and medical devices.
• Existing ambulation methods can be cumbersome, requiring significant caregiver assistance.
• The intravenous pole/walker (IVPW) was developed to streamline ambulation by integrating patient devices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy and patient/healthcare worker perception of the IVPW versus the standard method of ambulation (SMA).
• To evaluate the impact of the IVPW on patient satisfaction and safety during postoperative ambulation.
• To assess the required number of healthcare workers for ambulation using both methods.

Main Methods:

• A single-subject clinical trial involving 39 consecutive thoracic surgery patients.
• Patients were ambulated using either the IVPW or SMA, alternating between methods.
• Satisfaction surveys and assessment of healthcare worker assistance were conducted immediately after ambulation episodes.

Main Results:

• Patient satisfaction was significantly higher with the IVPW for support and ambulation assistance (p < 0.001).
• Nurses perceived the IVPW as a safer and more facilitating method for ambulation (p < 0.001).
• An average of one less employee was required for ambulation with the IVPW (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

• The IVPW offers superior support and safety for postoperative ambulation compared to the SMA.
• The IVPW reduces the need for healthcare worker assistance during patient ambulation.
• Improving ambulation in the postoperative setting positively influences nursing care and patient satisfaction.