The Impact of Perceived Self-Efficacy on Mobilisation in Thoracic Surgery Patients: Identifying Key Influencing...

During the recovery period after thoracic surgery, it is of great importance for patients to feel self-efficacious. Postoperative mobilisation is vital for thoracic surgery patients to prevent complications and enhance recovery. Perceived self-efficacy significantly impacts their ability to adhere to rehabilitation and mobilisation activities.

The aim of this research was to investigate the relationship between self-confidence and post-operative movement in individuals who underwent thoracic surgery and the influence of demographic and illness-related factors on this association.

This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the thoracic surgery clinic of Bakırcay University Cigli Education and Research Hospital. The study sample consisted of 132 patients. Data were collected through Patient Information Form, General Self-Efficacy Scale and Patient Mobility Scale. Descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA and Pearson correlation analysis were used to analyse the data. The study design restricts researchers from determining cause-and-effect relationships between variables.

The mean age of the patients was 54.1 years (SD = 13.6) and 57.6% were male. A positive and strong correlation was found between Patient Mobility Scale and General Self-Efficacy Scale scores (r = 0.885, p = 0.006). Age, education level, employment status and income level were found to be important factors associated with both scales. Younger, educated, employed and higher income patients had higher self-efficacy and mobility scores. In addition, patients with chronic diseases and previous hospital experience had higher mobility scores and lower self-efficacy scores.

The correlation between movement and self-belief is significant for individuals undergoing chest surgery treatment. Efforts to enhance movement may be associated with patients' confidence levels and may be related to better health results in general. Hence it is crucial to take into account factors related to demographics and diseases when creating rehabilitation plans.

The findings highlight the importance of integrating strategies to enhance self-efficacy in postoperative care for thoracic surgery patients. Healthcare professionals should design personalised rehabilitation plans that consider demographic and illness-related factors, such as age, education, and chronic conditions. Encouraging patient participation, providing education about the recovery process, and offering psychological support can enhance both self-efficacy and mobility. This holistic approach may be associated with improved adherence to mobilisation protocols, reduced complications, and better overall recovery outcomes.