Implementation of a guideline for physical therapy in the postoperative period of upper abdominal surgery reduces the incidence of atelectasis and length of hospital stay
Objective: the aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of implementing a physical therapy guideline for patients undergoing upper abdominal surgery (UAS) in reducing the incidence of atelectasis and length of hospital stay in the postoperative period.Materials and methods: A before and after study design with historical control was used. the before period included consecutive patients who underwent UAS before guideline implementation (intervention). the after period included consecutive patients after guideline implementation. Patients in the pre-intervention period were submitted to a program of physical therapy in which the treatment planning was based on the individual experience of each professional. On the other hand, patients who were included in the post-intervention period underwent a standardized program of physical therapy with a focus on the use of additional strategies (EPAP, incentive spirometry and early mobilization).Results: There was a significant increase in the use of incentive spirometry and positive expiratory airway pressure after guideline implementation. Moreover, it was observed that early ambulation occurred in all patients in the post-intervention period. No patient who adhered totally to the guideline in the post-intervention period developed atelectasis. Individuals in the post-intervention period presented a shorter length of hospital stay (9.2 +/- 4.1 days) compared to patients in the pre-intervention period (12.1 +/- 8.3 days) (p< 0.05).Hosp Sirio Libanes, Rehabil Serv, São Paulo, BrazilUniv São Paulo, Sch Med, São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Rehabil Serv, São Paulo, BrazilHosp Sirio Libanes, Phys Therapy Serv, São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Rehabil Serv, São Paulo, BrazilWeb of Scienc
