Perceptions of early discharge following lung surgery: I’m a patient “get me out of here”

Abstract

Background: Patients have been discharged from hospital one to two days post-surgery since the implementation of enhanced recovery after surgery programs. This study aimed to investigate the perceptions of individuals with a diagnosis of lung cancer on early discharge following a lung resection.Methods: A qualitative study using Deductive Thematic Analysis was conducted. Nine individuals with a diagnosis of lung cancer who had undergone a lung resection and were discharged one to two days following surgery participated in semi-structured interviews.Results: Five overarching themes were identified: (I) motivators for hospital discharge describing patients' desire to return home, (II) evolving feelings about early discharge and (III) coping at home post-surgery reporting heightened feelings of anxiety when faced with self-care and daily activities, (IV) the role of family members describing the physical and emotional support required from carers and (V) long-term recovery explaining the difficulty of re-engaging in activities due to symptoms associated with recovery and comorbidities.Conclusions: Early discharge following surgery for lung cancer was acceptable to the majority of patients.However, a follow up phone call maybe necessary to mitigate fears about pain and to encourage activity.

Investigating balance, gait, and physical function in people who have undergone thoracic surgery for a diagnosis of lung cancer: A mixed-methods study

“…Qualitative research is often used to glean this type of information, 12 , 13 yet it has seldom been applied in surgical settings. 14 …”

“…Qualitative research is often used to glean this type of information, 12,13 yet it has seldom been applied in surgical settings. 14 The primary aims of this study are to: 1) assess whether risk factors for falls (balance and gait) and functional status are impaired in people post-thoracic surgery for a diagnosis of lung cancer compared to healthy adults of the same age; and 2) investigate the perceptions of individuals with lung cancer on their balance and gait. Secondary aims are: 1) To investigate associations between balance and: a) quadriceps strength; and b) physical activity (PA) levels; and 2) To gain an insight into individuals' preferences for the content and delivery of rehabilitation post-thoracic surgery.…”