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.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 97-100 |
| Number of pages | 4 |
| Journal | The Journal of neuroscience nursing : journal of the American Association of Neuroscience Nurses |
| Volume | 37 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| State | Published - Apr 2005 |
| Externally published | Yes |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Surgery
- Endocrine and Autonomic Systems
- Clinical Neurology
- Medical–Surgical