The effect of preoperative education on recovery of thoracic surgery patients

This study examined the effects of preoperative education on the postoperative recovery process of lung cancer patients undergoing thoracic surgery. The study was conducted with 100 patients (intervention group = 50, control group = 50) who met the research criteria and were hospitalized in the thoracic surgery departments of a tertiary public hospital in Istanbul. Data were collected using a randomized controlled experimental design between June 2022 and December 2023. During the initial interview, a standardized data collection form was used, and respiratory function tests along with shoulder joint range of motion assessments were performed. While the control group received standard hospital procedures, the intervention group received systematic preoperative education supported by a patient education booklet. On the first postoperative day, the Quality of Recovery-40 (QoR-40) questionnaire was administered, and respiratory function and shoulder mobility were reassessed. A third assessment was conducted on the fourth postoperative day, repeating the same measurements. The level of statistical significance was set at p<0.05. The mean age of the patients was 59.22±8.43 years; 61% were male, 82% were married, 43% were heavy smokers, and 77% had chronic diseases. The results showed that FEV1, FVC, shoulder flexion, and internal rotation angles were significantly higher in the intervention group compared to the control group on both the first and fourth postoperative days (p<0.05). Patients in the intervention group also reported significantly lower pain levels on both days (p<0.05). Furthermore, the total QoR-40 score, as well as emotional recovery and pain-related subscale scores, were significantly higher in the intervention group (p<0.05). However, no statistically significant differences were found between the groups in terms of physical comfort, independence, or patient support (p>0.05). Preoperative structured patient education reduces postoperative respiratory complications and preserves shoulder range of motion in thoracic surgery. In conclusion, structured preoperative patient education contributes to the preservation of respiratory functions, reduction of pain, and enhancement of functional recovery in the postoperative period. Based on these findings, it is recommended that planned educational interventions be integrated into clinical care protocols for high-risk thoracic surgery patients. Keywords: Thoracic surgery, Preoperative education, Quality of recovery, Shoulder joint range of motion, Pulmonary function test