Our Summary

This research paper is about the use of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in a thoracic surgery clinic. PROs are feedback from patients about their health condition and its impact on their quality of life. They are important for assessing the success of surgical procedures and patient care.

In the study, the researchers used a system called the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) to collect PROs from patients who had thoracic (chest-related) surgery. The data was collected between April 2018 and January 2021. The PROs measured things like the intensity of pain, physical function, and shortness of breath (dyspnea). The surveys were done online at home or during the patient’s clinic visit.

Out of 9725 clinic visits, PROs were collected in 6899 visits from 3551 patients. On average, patients answered 22.4 questions per survey. The overall completion rate of the surveys was 65.7%. However, there was a significant drop in the completion rate in April 2020. This led the researchers to make changes to allow patients to complete the surveys through a mobile health platform.

The researchers concluded that collecting PROs in a thoracic surgery clinic is effective and does not disrupt clinical activities. They suggest that future efforts should be made to make it easier for disadvantaged patient populations to provide their PROs and to expand the implementation of this system across different programs.

FAQs

  1. What is the purpose of the Patient-Reported Outcomes (PROs) assessment in thoracic surgery?
  2. How were the PROs collected and what were the results of this study?
  3. What future efforts should be made to improve PROs collection in thoracic surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about thoracic surgery is to ensure they stay active and maintain good physical function both before and after the surgery. This can help improve outcomes and speed up recovery. Additionally, it is important for patients to communicate any pain or discomfort they may be experiencing to their healthcare provider so that appropriate treatment can be provided.

Suitable For

Patients who may be recommended for thoracic surgery include those with lung cancer, esophageal cancer, benign tumors of the lungs or esophagus, pleural diseases, and conditions such as emphysema and severe gastroesophageal reflux disease. Thoracic surgery may also be recommended for patients with certain congenital abnormalities or traumatic injuries to the chest. It is important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by a thoracic surgeon to determine if surgery is the best course of treatment for their specific condition.

Timeline

Before thoracic surgery:

  • Patient is evaluated by a thoracic surgeon and other healthcare providers to determine the need for surgery
  • Patient undergoes preoperative testing, such as imaging studies and blood tests, to assess their overall health and fitness for surgery
  • Patient receives preoperative education about the surgical procedure, risks, and postoperative care
  • Patient may undergo prehabilitation to improve their physical fitness and optimize their recovery after surgery

After thoracic surgery:

  • Patient is closely monitored in the postoperative period in the hospital to ensure they are stable and recovering well
  • Patient may experience pain, discomfort, and limited mobility in the immediate postoperative period
  • Patient receives postoperative care, including pain management, wound care, and physical therapy to aid in their recovery
  • Patient is discharged from the hospital once they are stable and able to manage their recovery at home
  • Patient follows up with their thoracic surgeon for postoperative visits to monitor their progress and address any concerns or complications
  • Patient may undergo rehabilitation and physical therapy to regain strength and function after surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific outcomes can I expect from thoracic surgery?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with thoracic surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery period after thoracic surgery?
  4. Will I need any additional treatments or therapies after the surgery?
  5. How will thoracic surgery impact my daily activities and quality of life?
  6. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before undergoing thoracic surgery?
  7. How experienced is the surgical team in performing thoracic surgery procedures?
  8. What is the success rate of thoracic surgery in treating my specific condition?
  9. How long will I need to stay in the hospital after thoracic surgery?
  10. Are there any specific post-operative care instructions I should be aware of?

Reference

Authors: Khullar OV, Perez A, Dixon M, Binongo JN, Sancheti MS, Pickens A, Gillespie T, Force SD, Fernandez FG. Journal: Ann Thorac Surg. 2023 Feb;115(2):526-532. doi: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2022.04.048. Epub 2022 May 11. PMID: 35561801