Thoracic surgery induces postoperative decrease in respiratory function, which can lead to the development of postoperative pulmonary complications. A variety of pulmonary care techniques are used following thoracic surgery for their prevention and treatment, even though the evidence is limited. Aim: The study aimed to evaluate the effect of evidence-based nursing program on post thoracic surgery patients' health outcomes regarding pulmonary care. Design: A quasi-experimental research design was utilized. Setting: The study was conducted in chest department and cardiothoracic surgery intensive care unit at Benha University Hospital affiliated to Qualubia Governorate. Sample: A purposive sample of sixty patients with chest diseases planned for thoracic surgeries selected from the previously mentioned settings over a period of nine months of data collection. Tools: Data were collected using three tools, (1) Patient's interview schedule questionnaire included (Personal data, medical and surgical data, knowledge assessment about chest surgery and pulmonary care), (2) Pulmonary care technique observational checklist pre/post pulmonary care intervention consisted of two parts; Part I chest physiotherapy techniques included (Deep breathing, diaphragmatic breathing, coughing and huffing exercises, nebulizer, positioning and mobilization), Part II postoperative exercises included (Shoulder range of motion (ROM) exercises, trunk and thoracic mobilization exercises). (3) Patients' health outcomes assessment included (Chest pain assessment, postoperative problems assessment, respiratory and physical parameters assessment). Results: Most of studied patients were educated males from 300.05). Conclusion: It was concluded that the majority of patients had fair knowledge level and all patients were incompetent regarding performing pulmonary care techniques preprogram implementation while they had been improved post evidence-based nursing program implementation which reflects that early post-operative pulmonary care following thoracic surgeries was effective in reducing the risk of post-operative pulmonary complications and had a positive impact on patients' health outcomes with high statistically significance differences as (p= |
