Clinical Pathways of Postoperative Nursing Care for Women Undergoing Gynecological Operations at Port Said Hospitals

Background:The aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of clinical pathways of postoperative nursing care for patients undergoing gynecologic operations on the postoperative outcome.Subjects and Methods: the study was conducted at Obstetric and Gynecologic Department. A total of 112 women undergoing gynecological operation (56 study group who received pre and postoperative care of clinical pathway, and 56 control group who received pre and postoperative routine care of the hospital).Results: The current study shows that patients underwent gynecological operation in the study group were significantly more likely to have no vomiting compared to those in the control group. Thus less than one fifth of them were in need to antiemetic compared to almost half in the control group. Concerning the level of pain experienced by patients during the postoperative period, the present result reveals that women in the study group experience less mean score compared to those in the control group, thus they showed lesser need for analgesia. Significant differences in the early oral intake, postoperative bowel mobility, hours to remove catheters and drains and length of stay were observed between present study and the control groups. Women’s satisfaction related to the care provided was assessed in the present study group. The score given was mostly very good and excellent. Conclusion: Clinical pathway was effective in improving postoperative outcomes related to early ambulation, early oral intake, bowel mobility, hours to remove catheters and drains, short length of stay and patient satisfaction. Recommendations: The concept of clinical pathways should be applied in gynecologic operations to improve patient outcome and reduce postoperative complications.