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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.

Last updated: Aug 20, 2026•0 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score34/100
Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. 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.

observational

Malar RA, Padmavathi P · Journal of pharmacy &amp; bioallied sciences (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: Not specified (pilot study, likely short-term postoperative period)
Intervention: Structured nursing care pathway integrated with standard pharmacological management (bupivacaine, paracetamol, tramadol, ondansetron, pantoprazole)
Outcome: Wound healing, pain, gastric motility, anxiety, sleep quality
Effect Size: N/A (t-values reported: 8.25 to 10.12)
Population: Patients undergoing spinal anesthesia for lower abdominal or limb surgeries (n=20, 10 per group)

Result:

PubMed: 42598720DOI: 10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_88_26

Mechanism Graph

Structured nursing care pathway provides systematic postoperative care protocols
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Enhanced monitoring and early intervention for pain, wound care, and gastric motility
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Psychological support and sleep hygiene interventions reduce anxiety and improve sleep
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Result: Improved overall postoperative recovery and reduced complications

Limitations

  • ⚠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.

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References

  1. 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 &amp; bioallied sciences, 2026. PMID: 42598720 DOI: 10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_88_26
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.