Jeong, J.H., & Yoo, W.G. (2015). Effects of pulmonary rehabilitation education for caregivers on pulmonary function and pain in patients with lung cancer following lung resection. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 27, 489–490.

DOI Link

Study Purpose

To evaluate the effects of a pulmonary rehabilitation education program for caregivers on pain and pulmonary function in patients after lung resection

Intervention Characteristics/Basic Study Process

Patients were assigned to experiment and control groups. The control group received usual care including education on pain management, general postoperative care, incentive spirometer use, trunk and limb mobilization, and nebulizer instructions. In addition, caregivers in the experimental group received 30 minutes per week of instruction in splint coughing, airway clearance techniques, diaphragmatic breathing, and various exercises. Assessments were done at baseline (two weeks after surgery) and at four weeks after surgery.

Sample Characteristics

  • N = 41
  • AGE = Not provided
  • MALES: Not provided        
  • FEMALES: Not provided
  • KEY DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: All had lung cancer
  • OTHER KEY SAMPLE CHARACTERISTICS: Not provided

Setting

  • SITE: Single site  
  • SETTING TYPE: Not specified  
  • LOCATION: Republic of Korea

Phase of Care and Clinical Applications

  • PHASE OF CARE: Active antitumor treatment

Study Design

Prospective trial

Measurement Instruments/Methods

  • Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
  • Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT)

Results

Forced expiratory volume in one second was higher in the experimental group at baseline and at four weeks (p < 0.01). There was no difference between the groups in pain scores after the intervention.

Conclusions

Pulmonary rehabilitation education may improve pulmonary function in patients after lung resection.

Limitations

  • Small sample (< 100)
  • Baseline sample/group differences of import
  • Risk of bias (no blinding)
  • Risk of bias (no random assignment) 
  • Risk of bias (no appropriate attentional control condition)  
  • Key sample group differences that could influence results
  • Measurement/methods not well described 
  • Other limitations/explanation: It was not clear whether patients were randomized. There were significant differences between groups in outcome measures at baseline. It was not clear how the VAS for pain was administered.
 

 

Nursing Implications

Pulmonary rehabilitation education provided to caregivers was not shown to reduce postoperative pain scores, but it may have been beneficial in terms of pulmonary function testing results.