title: Effects of recliner-chair versus traditional hospital bed on postsurgical diagnostic laparoscopic recovery time.
abstract: Little has been documented regarding postoperative nursing interventions that are effective in decreasing postoperative recovery time, improving patient outcomes, or optimizing discharge readiness. A randomized study was conducted to evaluate 2 methods of recovery positioning and to examine factors that affect home readiness (eg, voiding, intake) for postsurgical laparoscopy patients. Participants were randomized into 2 groups. The control group was recovered in traditional hospital beds, while subjects in the experimental group recovered in a "recliner-chair," which was adjustable by the patient for comfort. The results showed that patients who recovered in adjustable recliner-chairs reached home readiness sooner and experienced greater comfort levels than patients who recovered in traditional hospital beds. Furthermore, patients in the recliner-chair group had fewer adverse symptoms such as nausea, severe pain, and delayed voiding. This is a U.S. government work. There are no restrictions on its use.
authors.affiliation: National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA. agodoa001@netscape.net
authors.forename: Shirley E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Agodoa
authors.forename: Margaret A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Holder
authors.forename: Sarah M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Fowler
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001513:Beds; D005260:Female; D005831:Genital Diseases, Female / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000451:nursing*; D006801:Humans; D007374:Interior Design and Furnishings; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000451:nursing*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010351:Patient Discharge; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000379:methods*; D011187:Posture