Effect of Nursing Interventions on Patients’ Health Outcomes Post Thyroidectomy

Abstract

Background: Thyroidectomy is the most common surgical management of many thyroid diseases as simple goiter, benign thyroid tumors, hyperthyroidism and thyroid cancer (TC). Its complications involve hypocalcaemia, swallowing disorders, the presence of a hematoma with less or greater severity or recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury, especially after a total thyroidectomy. Preoperative and postoperative nursing interventions are important and have a serious influence on patient’s recovery directly. Objective: To determine the effect of nursing interventions on patients’ health outcomes post thyroidectomy. Settings: The study was carried out at the head, neck and endocrine surgery unit at Alexandria Main University Hospital, Egypt. The postoperative follow up after discharge was conducted at the head and neck surgery outpatient clinic at the Alexandria Main University Hospital Clinics Department. Subjects: A convenience sample of 60 adult's patients who undergoing thyroidectomy admitted to the previously mentioned setting. The sample was divided into two equal groups (30 patients each the group) . Tools: three tools were used. Tool one: Bio-socio demographic data structured interview schedule. Tool two: Thyroidectomy patient's knowledge structured interview schedule. Tool three: Health outcomes for post thyroidectomy patient assessment sheet. Results: The study showed that there was a significant improvement in neck pain, neck disability and decreasing postoperative complications in the study group more than in the control group. Conclusion: The implementation of nursing interventions including neck and shoulder exercises significantly improved neck pain, neck disability and decreasing postoperative complications which improve patient health outcomes. Recommendations : In service training program should be carried out for nurses working in head and neck surgery department about complete care for patients pre and post thyroidectomy. Hospital administration should facilitate opportunities for nurses to attend continuing educational program about thyroid gland diseases and care of patients undergoing thyroidectomy.