Effects of early mobilization protocol performed after cardiac surgery on patient care outcomes

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to determine the effects of an early mobilization protocol performed in patients who underwent cardiac surgery on post-operative outcomes.

Background: Post-operative complications are common in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Early mobilization is recommended for patients who undergo cardiac surgery to prevent complications and achieve successful outcomes in post-operative care.

Design: The study design was quasi-experimental with a control group.

Methods: Participants were patients who underwent cardiac surgery between January and October 2015. The study included 102 patients (51 patients each in the experimental and control groups). The introductory characteristics form, the Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire (RCSQ), duration of hospital stay (post-operatively), and development of a post-operative late complications form were used to collect data.

Results: The study results revealed that patients in the experimental group had better improvement in RCSQ scores, shorter duration of hospitalization, and fewer late complications after surgery than patients in the control group.

Conclusion: Early mobilization is feasible in adult cardiac surgery patients and has significant benefits. More research is recommended into the effectiveness of early mobilization in different patient groups.

Keywords: cardiac surgery; early mobilization; length of stay; nursing; post-operative complications; sleep.