I text for I COUGH: A clinical pilot study to evaluate the impact of text messaging upon postoperative ambulation in the hospital - 10/02/22
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Abstract |
Background |
The “I COUGH” protocol is associated with improved postoperative pulmonary outcomes, and ambulation is an essential component. I COUGH is an acronym for Incentive spirometry, Coughing, Oral care, Understanding (patient and staff education), Getting-out-of-bed, and Head-of-bed elevation. This trial sought to enhance one component, specifically ambulation after operations.
Methods |
Randomized trial of inpatients in a safety-net, academic medical center. The intervention group received standard I COUGH education along with text message reminders to ambulate postoperatively, whereas the control group received standard education alone. Postoperative walking frequency was compared to each participant’s ambulation on the day prior to enrollment.
Results |
The intervention group had an average improvement of 1.8 ± 1.8 walks per day per patient, while the average change for the control group was 0.2 ± 1.0 walks per day per patient. This represents a 9-fold increase in ambulation for the intervention group (p = 0.03).
Conclusions |
Implementation of text message reminders increased ambulation and improved adherence to the I COUGH protocol following operations. This system should be further investigated as an adjunct to postoperative care.
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Highlights |
• | Text messaging can be an effective method to communicate with inpatients. |
• | Text messages remind patients about important behaviors such as postoperative ambulation. |
• | The benefits of text messages during patients’ hospital stays, before and after operations, merits further exploration. |
Keywords : Text messages, Inpatient, Ambulation, Incentive spirometry, Pulmonary complications, I COUGH
Plan
Vol 223 - N° 2
P. 360-363 - février 2022 Retour au numéroBienvenue sur EM-consulte, la référence des professionnels de santé.
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