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Efficacy of tele‐nursing consultations in rehabilitation after radical prostatectomy: a randomised controlled trial study
Author(s) -
Jensen Bente Thoft,
Kristensen Susanne Ammitzbøll,
Christensen Sofie Vistoft,
Borre Michael
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
international journal of urological nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.184
H-Index - 8
eISSN - 1749-771X
pISSN - 1749-7701
DOI - 10.1111/j.1749-771x.2011.01130.x
Subject(s) - medicine , prostatectomy , rehabilitation , randomized controlled trial , patient satisfaction , randomization , intervention (counseling) , physical therapy , clinical trial , nursing , fast track , health care , prostate cancer , surgery , cancer , economic growth , economics
The dramatic increase in prostate cancer incidence causes higher demands for public health care. To meet these demands, fast track pathways have been introduced in radical prostatectomy. However, the short length of hospital admission leaves less time for patient education. The aim of this study was to investigate whether nurse‐led telephone consultations (TCs) could optimize resources and secure rehabilitation and patient satisfaction in the post‐operative period. This study is a prospective randomized controlled trial. A random sample of 95 consecutively enrolled patients was randomized to either intervention or standard follow‐up. The intervention was an additional TC 3 days post‐operatively. The care and patient education offered during hospitalization was similar for all patients. Randomization took place at discharge and was controlled externally. Data were collected from medical records and questionnaires 2 weeks post‐operatively. We found no difference in the overall efficacy regarding patient satisfaction, sense of security and post‐operative discomfort. Some patients had unmet needs and TCs provided better rehabilitation regarding management of bowel function, pain, catheter and wound care. There was no difference in the need of post‐operative contact to other health care affiliates. In general, patients were sufficiently educated in managing early rehabilitation and they expressed high satisfaction and sense of security in the post‐operative period after discharge regardless of TC. Therefore, TCs will not be the standard procedure, but the results have increased awareness in daily clinical practice and optimized the clinical pathway in general. The results indicate commitment and high adherence to clinical guidelines among the nursing staff.