[Experiences of early postoperative mobilisation following open abdominal surgery: A qualitative study]

Experiences of early postoperative mobilisation following open abdominal surgery: A qualitative study Abstract: Background: Early mobilisation is crucial for recovery and avoiding complications after surgery. Guidelines and recommendations for promoting mobility are available in surgery and intensive care medicine. However, specific recommendations for implementation in nursing care, taking patient experiences into account, remain unclear. Aims: The study explores patients' subjective experiences of early postoperative mobilisation following open abdominal surgery in general wards. Methods: Between August and December 2024, semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients (n = 15) after open abdominal surgery in four German hospitals and evaluated using structured qualitative content analysis. Results: Early postoperative mobilisation after open abdominal surgery was experienced by patients as physically challenging, emotionally ambivalent, but manageable with qualified support. Key factors influencing the experience are adequate preparation, reliable support, and individually tailored, empathetic support. Conclusions: Professional support is key to ensuring safety during early postoperative mobilisation. Nursing staff has a significant impact on the patient's experience of the mobilisation process and can positively influence it through individual education. Previous experiences, personal motivation and the desire for autonomy are educational starting points.