1. Health-related quality of life in patients undergoing anterior cervical discectomy fusion.
- Author
-
Fowler SB, Anthony-Phillips P, Mehta D, and Liebman K
- Subjects
- Activities of Daily Living, Adult, Aged, Diskectomy adverse effects, Diskectomy methods, Female, Health Status, Humans, Intervertebral Disc Displacement nursing, Intervertebral Disc Displacement psychology, Longitudinal Studies, Male, Middle Aged, New Jersey, Nurse's Role, Nursing Methodology Research, Sick Role, Sickness Impact Profile, Social Behavior, Spinal Fusion adverse effects, Spinal Fusion methods, Surveys and Questionnaires, Time Factors, Treatment Outcome, Attitude to Health, Cervical Vertebrae surgery, Diskectomy psychology, Intervertebral Disc Displacement surgery, Quality of Life, Spinal Fusion psychology
- Abstract
Outcomes are an integral part of surgical decision making among patients, families, physicians, and nurses. The purpose of this descriptive, longitudinal study was to investigate and compare health-related quality of life as an outcome measure in patients undergoing anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Data were collected preoperatively, and at 6 weeks and 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Potential participants were identified by staff members at two neurosurgical practices in central New Jersey. Findings revealed improved health over time with significant change in 6 of the 9 subscales of health-related quality of life. Cervical disk disease and ACDF impact health-related quality of life. A holistic approach to the education and support of patients undergoing ACDF surgery is recommended throughout the preoperative and postoperative periods.
- Published
- 2005