Impact of Postoperative Rehabilitation Program on Outcomes of Patients Following Cervical Discectomy

Abdelmowla, Rasha Ali Ahmed; Hassan, Hassan Mohammed; Abdel Aziz, Soher Ahmed Awad; Abd-Almageed, Asmaa Sayed

doi:10.21608/ejnsr.2023.306486

Impact of Postoperative Rehabilitation Program on Outcomes of Patients Following Cervical Discectomy

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Assistant Professor of Medical-Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt

² Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt

³ Lecturer of Gerontological Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt

10.21608/ejnsr.2023.306486

Abstract

Background: Cervical disc herniation is the most common cause of neck and arm pain in adults. Postoperative rehabilitation is an essential part of the recovery period. Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of postoperative rehabilitation program on outcomes of patients following cervical discectomy. Subjects and Methods: Research design: Quasi-experimental design was used. Sample and Setting: A random sample of 70 adult and old adult patients from both sex was recruited from July 2021 to July 2022, in addition to 6 month follow-up period that ended in January 2023 in the neurosurgery department and neurosurgery outpatient clinic at Assiut University Neurological, Psychiatric, and Neurosurgery Hospital. Patients were assigned randomly by a computer-based selection program into 2 equal groups (control group n=35) and (study group n=35) with a ratio 1:1 assignment. A control group received routine hospital care/instructions while a study group received routine hospital care/instructions in addition to the structured postoperative rehabilitation program by researchers. Tools: assessment sheet for patients undergoing cervical discectomy, numeric pain rating scale, neck disability index, and Newcastle satisfaction with nursing care scale. Results: Study findings revealed a statistically significant improvement for both groups, however, improvement was higher in the study group than in the control group (p. value < 0.01) post application of the postoperative rehabilitation program as regards all outcome measures; pain, disability, and satisfaction. Conclusion: Postoperative rehabilitation program significantly reduce pain, and disability and improve satisfaction. Recommendation: The postoperative rehabilitation program (educational booklet) should be utilized in hospitals as a teaching guide for patients following cervical discectomy for cervical disc herniation.

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