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

Background: Cervical disc herniation is the most common cause of neck and arm pain in adults. Postoperative rehabilitation is essential part in recovery period. Aim: The aim of 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 months follow up ended in January 2023 in neurosurgery department and neurosurgery outpatient clinic at Assiut University Neurological, Psychiatric and Neurosurgery Hospital. Patients assigned randomly by computer based selection program into 2 equal groups (control group n=35) and (study group n=35) with ratio 1:1 assignment. Control group received routine hospital care/instructions while 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 statistical significant improvement for both groups, however, improvement was highly in study group than in control group (p. value < 0.01) post application of the postoperative rehabilitation program as regard all outcome measures; pain, disability, and satisfaction. Conclusion: Postoperative rehabilitation program significantly reduce pain, 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.