Navigation Links
Patients with larger social networks may fare better after an operation
Date:2/12/2008

CHICAGO (February 12, 2008) A new study published in the February issue of the Journal of the American College of Surgeons shows that patients with a large support network of family and friends report feeling less pain and anxiety prior to having a surgical procedure, which can have a substantially positive impact on their postoperative recovery.

The findings suggest that it is important for clinicians to be aware of the close relationship between patients social networks and their impact on preoperative pain and anxiety, and how these relationships can affect patient recovery after major operations.

Strong social connectedness can have a tremendous impact on patient recovery by helping blunt the effect of stress caused by postoperative pain, as well as ease concerns about health, finances and separation from family members, said Allison R. Mitchinson, MPH, NCTMB, research health science specialist, Department of Veterans Affairs, Ann Arbor (MI) Healthcare System.

Social network size and social connectedness have long been known to affect health and well-being. Stressful events such as having an operation can further increase the need for social support.

Since patients with limited social connections will likely require more pain medications, have longer hospital stays, and need additional caregiver attention after a surgical procedure, it is important that physicians are aware of this link, added study co-author Daniel B. Hinshaw, MD, FACS, a researcher with the Department of Veterans Affairs, Ann Arbor Healthcare System. Patients should be preoperatively screened for pain and anxiety because these are strong predictors of a more difficult postoperative recovery.

Patients undergoing major thoracic or abdominal operations at two Veterans Affairs medical centers (n=605) participated in a randomized controlled trial of massage as adjuvant treatment for postoperative pain. Prior to the operations, patients were giv
'/>"/>

Contact: Sally Garneski
pressinquiry@facs.org
312-202-5409
Weber Shandwick Worldwide
Source:Eurekalert

0

GOOD

Page: 1 2

Related medicine news :

1. A new agent for the treatment of patients with myelodysplastic syndrome; and more
2. Doctors uncertain about approaches to care for heart failure patients, SLU study finds
3. Depression Rarely Discussed With RA Patients
4. Doctor who? Are patients making clinical decisions?
5. Study finds patients with complex fibroadenomas can avoid surgery
6. Allergic-like reactions occur in premedicated patients
7. Gene variant predicts medication response in patients with alcohol dependence
8. Study suggests new therapy for lung disease patients
9. Vicriviroc Demonstrates Potent and Sustained Viral Suppression Through 48 Weeks of Therapy in Treatment-Experienced HIV-Infected Patients
10. Sucking Out Clot Debris Helps Heart Attack Patients
11. Half of patients undergoing cerebrovascular stent placement respond poorly to clopidogrel
Post Your Comments:
*Name:
*Comment:
*Email: