title: Health-related quality of life in patients undergoing anterior cervical discectomy fusion.
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.
authors.affiliation: Somerset Medical Center in Somerville, NJ, USA.
authors.forename: Susan B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Fowler
authors.forename: Patricia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Anthony-Phillips
authors.forename: Deviyani
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Mehta
authors.forename: Kenneth
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Liebman
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000601:surgery*; D017586:Diskectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology / Q000601:surgery*; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009515:New Jersey; D024802:Nurse's Role; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D011788:Quality of Life; D012803:Sick Role; D018434:Sickness Impact Profile; D012919:Social Behavior; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome