Abdominal surgery and medicine

Focus is on patients hospitalized in the Gastric Unit, including both medical and surgical departments.

Theme lead

Line Rokkedal Jønsson
Clinical Development Physiotherapist, Amager and Hvidovre Hospital

Focus

The focus is on patients hospitalized in the Gastric Unit, including both medical and surgical departments. The primary focus is the development and implementation of interventions aimed at optimizing and increasing early mobilization and physical activity during hospitalization. Particular attention is given to older adults, patients undergoing Acute High-risk Abdominal (AHA) surgery, and those at risk of developing postoperative pulmonary complications.

Examples of Ongoing Work:

Patients Undergoing Elective Abdominal Surgery:

Preoperative physiotherapy: This includes educating patients on the importance of early and frequent mobilization during hospitalization and providing instructions on breathing exercises and bed transfers.
Postoperative support: Providing assistance and motivation for early intensive mobilization after surgery and offering guidance on regaining functional ability and physical activity post-discharge.
Extended physiotherapy services: Offering physiotherapy sessions in the afternoons and evenings during hospitalization.

Patients Undergoing Acute High-risk Abdominal (AHA) Surgery:

Immediate referral to physiotherapy: All patients receive physiotherapy post-surgery.
Early mobilization initiatives: Initiating physiotherapy as soon as possible, preferably within 24 hours of referral.
Extended physiotherapy services: Providing physiotherapy during weekends and evenings.
Physiotherapy in the PACU: If feasible, delivering physiotherapy services in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit.
Activity monitoring: Implementing an activity schema to monitor and motivate increased physical activity during hospitalization.
Prioritizing high-risk patients: Focusing on patients who are not independently mobile due to their higher risk of functional decline and postoperative pulmonary complications. Utilizing the Cumulated Ambulation Score (CAS) to assess basic mobility and the need for assistance during mobilization.
Multidisciplinary collaboration: Engaging in continuous meetings and projects with nurses and doctors as part of Enhanced Recovery Programs in the Gastric Unit.
Quality registration: Recording early mobilization data in The Danish Clinical Quality Program–National Clinical Registries (RKKP): “Acute surgery database"

These efforts aim to enhance recovery by promoting early and sustained physical activity, thereby reducing the risk of postoperative complications and improving overall patient outcomes.