Surgical outcomes in surgical oncology patients who participated in a family involvement program.

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of evidence regarding the relationship between family involvement and outcomes in gastrointestinal oncology patients after surgery. To evaluate the effect of a family involvement program for patients undergoing oncologic gastrointestinal surgery on unplanned readmissions within 30 days after surgery. METHODS: A multicenter patient-preference cohort study compared 2 groups: patients who participated in the family involvement program versus usual care. The program comprised involvement of family caregivers in care and training of health care professionals in family-centered care. Multivariable regression analyses were used to evaluate the effect of the FIP on the number of unplanned readmissions up to 30 days after surgery. Secondary outcomes included complications sensitive to fundamental care activities, emergency department visits, intensive care unit admissions, hospital length of stay, and the need for professional home care after discharge. RESULTS: Of the 301 patients included, 152 chose the family involvement program, and 149 chose usual care. Postoperative readmissions occurred in 25 (16.4%) patients in the family involvement program group, and 15 (10.1%) in the usual care group (P = .11). A significant reduction of 16.2% was observed in the need for professional home care after discharge in the family involvement program group (P < .01). No significant differences were found between the 2 groups in the other secondary outcomes. CONCLUSION: The family involvement program did not reduce the number of unplanned readmissions, but it led to a substantial reduction in-home care, which suggests an economic benefit from a societal perspective. Implementation of the family involvement program should, therefore, be considered in clinical practice.

Active involvement of family members in postoperative care after esophageal or pancreatic resection: A feasibility study.

BACKGROUND: Active involvement of relatives has the potential to improve postoperative patient outcomes by prevention of complications sensitive to basic care and unplanned readmissions. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of a program in which relatives participated in postoperative care. METHODS: A pragmatic feasibility trial conducted at the surgical ward of a University hospital in the Netherlands. Patients undergoing esophageal or pancreatic resection with a relative who was willing and able to participate formed the intervention group (n = 20). A control group (n = 20) received usual postoperative care. The program consisted of the following: (1) information; (2) shared goal setting; (3) task-oriented training; (4) participation in basic care, focusing on mobilization, breathing exercises, cognitive activities and oral hygiene; (5) presence of relatives during ward rounds; and (6) rooming-in. Feasibility criteria were adherence to basic care, caregiver burden, and satisfaction of patients, family, and healthcare professionals. RESULTS: All participants completed the program. Patients in the intervention group mobilized more (estimated difference for walking 170 meters per day, P = .037, and for sitting 109 minutes per day, P < .001), and showed more adherence to breathing exercises (estimated difference per day 1.4, P = .003), oral hygiene (estimated difference 1.52, P = .001), and cognitive activities (estimated difference 2.6, P < .001). Relatives'Care-Related Quality of Life instrument score did not deteriorate over time (P = .64); 96% of relatives would recommend the program and 92% felt better prepared for discharge. Patients in the intervention group were more satisfied with hospital admission. Healthcare professionals valued the program positively. CONCLUSION: This program is feasible and is positively appreciated by patients, family, and healthcare professionals. Patients following the program showed more adherence to basic care activities.