Effectiveness of the Rehabilitation Program after Colorectal Surgery for Patients with Colorectal Cancer: A Quasi-Experimental Study

An effective rehabilitation program is essential for patients having surgery to regain full physical functions and improve their quality of life. This quasi-experimental study aimed to examine the effectiveness of a rehabilitation program on functional recovery and gastrointestinal quality of life among people with colorectal cancer undergoing surgery. This program was developed using integrated concepts from the Symptom Management Model and Self-Regulation Theory and involved nurse-patient co-operation. Sixty-four participants undergoing colorectal cancer surgery admitted at three tertiary hospitals in Bangkok, Thailand, were recruited into the experimental (n = 32) or control group (n = 32). The experimental group received the Rehabilitation Program after Colorectal Surgery in addition to usual care. The control group received only usual care. The instruments used for data collection were a demographic data record, a Pain Rating Scale, the Abdominal Distension Assessment Scale, the Gastrointestinal Function and Eating Record Form, a Six-Minute Walk Test, a digital spirometer for forced vital capacity, and the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index. The outcomes were measured before starting the program, on postoperative days 1 and 3, and two weeks after discharge. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square test, paired t-test, independent t-test, and repeated measures ANOVA. Results showed that the experimental group had significantly less pain severity and higher functional walking capacity than the control group. For the gastrointestinal quality of life, the experimental group achieved significantly better results in the symptom and physical function domains two weeks after discharge. In conclusion, the Rehabilitation Program after Colorectal Surgery could control symptoms, promote postoperative activities, and enhance recovery and some gastrointestinal quality of life domains. Nurses can use this program to increase functional ability and improve the quality of life among people with colorectal cancer receiving surgery. However, further testing using randomized controlled trials is needed before it can be widely used in practice.