Factors associated with postoperative recovery of patients who underwent a walking program in ICU after lung surgery

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with postoperative recovery of patients who underwent a walking program in ICU after lung resection. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey with a structured questionnaire was conducted from April 24 to June 2, 2019. Ninety patients with lung cancer who had undergone surgery and taken part in a walking exercise program in ICU were recruited from general thoracic surgery units of S hospital, a tertiary hospital, in Korea. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation, and multiple regression, using an SPSS 24.0 program. RESULTS: The patients’ perceived postoperative recovery generally good. In the postoperative recovery subcategory, the psychological aspect showed the highest level and physical symptoms the lowest level of recovery. Pain, appetite changes, and gastrointestinal functions were items that patients perceived at the lowest level for postoperative recovery. Average scores for patients’ self-efficacy and resilience were relatively high. There was a positive correlation between postoperative recovery and self-efficacy (r=-.230, p=.029). A multiple linear regression showed that the postoperative recovery had significant associations with occupation (β=4.353, p=.005), nausea and vomiting (β=0.596, p=.043), and perceived exertion (β=1.105, p=.007) during the walking program. In other words, a person who had a job, who had low nausea and vomiting, and who perceived less exertion was more positive about postoperative recovery. The regression model explained 31.3% of the postoperative recovery. CONCLUSIONS: To enhance patients’ recovery after lung resection surgery, it is necessary for them to alleviate symptoms such as pain, nausea, and vomiting during walking exercises and to exercise with an adequate rating of perceived exertion.open석