Rehabilitation programme post surgery
Category: Follow-Up and End-of-Life Care
The problem identified
Further support required for patients having surgical intervention and radical treatment for lung cancer.
The intervention made to change the problem
A pilot for a rehabilitation programme was conducted for patients post surgery in conjunction with the existing pulmonary rehabilitation programme for patients with COPD in Rotherham.
How it changed my practice
All patients who have had surgery for lung cancer are introduced to the rehabilitation
programme prior to surgery. Patients are assessed post surgery and referred to the
programme at Breathingspace where they receive an assessment by the physiotherapists
and start a 6 week exercise, educational and support programme.
- Some patients have continued on a maintenance programme and the evaluation to
date has been positive and enjoyable.
- The pulmonary rehabilitation programme has been extended to patients who have
completed radical radiotherapy treatments, and patients with existing respiratory
problems.
- The plan is to extend the programme to include patients who may not initially be fit
enough for surgery, to improve their exercise and lung function.
- Further audit and assessment is required to develop the enhanced recovery
programme. Also to establish if the rehabilitation programme helps reduce hospital
admissions and improve survivorship and well being for patients.