Recovery at Home Health Article

Preparation

Discharge recommendations for home recovery are typically explained to the patient before they are allowed to leave the hospital or ambulatory care facility. In some cases, the patient may be required to sign paperwork indicating that they have both received and understood home care instructions.

Depending on the surgical procedure they undergo, a patient may be taught some home care techniques while still in the hospital. Physical therapy exercises, incision care, and use of assistive devices such as crutches or splints are a few self-care skills that may be demonstrated and practiced in an inpatient environment.

A physical and emotional support system is also a crucial part of a successful home recovery. Faced with restrictions to movement, driving, and possibly more, a patient needs someone at home to assist them with the daily tasks of independent living. If family or friends are not nearby or available, a visiting nurse or home healthcare aid should be hired before the patient is discharged to home recovery.

Normal results

Following home care instructions can help to speed a patient's recovery time and ensure the safe resumption of normal activities. Several studies have indicated that women may have a longer postoperative recovery time than men. In some cases, the familiar, comforting home environment may even speed the healing process or improve the degree of recovery. One study of patients 64 and older undergoing hip surgery found that patients who were allowed to undergo rehabilitation at home had significantly better outcomes than those who underwent rehabilitation as hospital inpatients. On average, the former had better physical capacity and independent living skills when assessed six months after surgery.

Some studies have also indicated that gender may have an impact on the success and speed of post-operative home recovery. A 2001 study in the British Medical Journal found that women recovered from surgery at a 25% slower rate than men. Further research is needed to determine exactly why this gender gap exists, but the authors did hypothesize that both anatomical and physiological differences could be a factor.

BOOKS

Brubaker, Melinda, et al. Surgery: A Patient's Guide from Diagnosis to Recovery. San Francisco: UCFS Nursing Press, 1999.

Klippel, John H., ed. All You Need to Know About Joint Surgery: Preparing for Surgery, Recovery, and an Active New Lifestyle. Atlanta: Arthritis Foundation, 2002.

Trehair, RCS. All About Heart Bypass Surgery. Philadelphia: Oxford University Press, 2003.

PERIODICALS

Golub, Catherine. "Ready Yourself for Recovery: Tips for Preand Post-Op Nutrition." Environmental Nutrition 24 (November 2001): 2.

ORGANIZATIONS

National Association for Home Care and Hospice. 228 Seventh Street SE, Washington, DC 20003. (202) 547-7424. <http://www.nahc.org>.

Visiting Nurses Association of America. 99 Summer Street, Suite 1700, Boston, Massachusetts 02110. (617) 737-3200. <http://www.vnaa.org>.

Paula Ford-Martin