Structured nursing care pathway integrated with standard pharmacological management improves postoperative biophysiological and psychological outcomes in patients undergoing spinal anesthesia
In a pilot quasi-experimental study of 20 patients undergoing spinal anesthesia, those receiving a structured nursing care pathway plus standard pharmacological therapy showed significant improvements in wound healing, pain, gastric motility, anxiety, and sleep quality compared to controls receiving only pharmacological therapy. Post-test between-group differences favored the experimental group with t-values ranging from 8.25 to 10.12 (P < 0.05). For example, wound healing scores improved from 7.12 ± 0.88 to 17.1 ± 1.24 in the experimental group, while controls showed minimal changes.
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Structured nursing care pathway integrated with standard pharmacological management improves postoperative biophysiological and psychological outcomes in patients undergoing spinal anesthesia The current body of evidence comprises 1 study. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 34/100 (low).
The Claim
Structured nursing care pathway integrated with standard pharmacological management improves postoperative biophysiological and psychological outcomes in patients undergoing spinal anesthesia
This conclusion is most relevant to: Patients undergoing spinal anesthesia for lower abdominal or limb surgeries (n=20, 10 per group).
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Effectiveness of a Structured Nursing Care Pathway Integrated with Standard Pharmacological Management on Biophysiological and Psychological Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Spinal Anesthesia: A Pilot Quasi-Experimental Study. (Journal of pharmacy & bioallied sciences, 2026) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Structured nursing care pathway provides systematic postoperative care protocols
- ▸Enhanced monitoring and early intervention for pain, wound care, and gastric motility
- ▸Psychological support and sleep hygiene interventions reduce anxiety and improve sleep
- ▸Result: Improved overall postoperative recovery and reduced complications
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸Patients undergoing spinal anesthesia for lower abdominal or limb surgeries (n=20, 10 per group)
Recommended Dose
N/A
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Small sample size (n=20) limits generalizability
- ▸Quasi-experimental design without randomization may introduce selection bias
- ▸Pilot study; findings need confirmation in larger randomized trials
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a structured nursing care pathway?▼
It is a standardized, evidence-based plan of nursing interventions and care steps designed to optimize patient recovery after surgery, including wound care, pain management, mobility, nutrition, and psychological support.
How does the structured nursing care pathway improve sleep quality?▼
The pathway likely includes sleep hygiene interventions, noise and light reduction, and anxiety management, which together promote better sleep in the postoperative period.
Was the study randomized?▼
No, it was a quasi-experimental pre-test-post-test control group design, meaning participants were not randomly assigned to groups, which may introduce bias.
What were the key outcomes measured?▼
The study measured biophysiological outcomes (wound healing, pain, gastric motility) and psychological outcomes (anxiety, sleep quality) using validated scales.
References
- 1.Malar RA, Padmavathi P. “Effectiveness of a Structured Nursing Care Pathway Integrated with Standard Pharmacological Management on Biophysiological and Psychological Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Spinal Anesthesia: A Pilot Quasi-Experimental Study..” Journal of pharmacy & bioallied sciences, 2026. PMID: 42598720 DOI: 10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_88_26