Effect of Applying an Educational Program on Knowledge and Self-Care Activities of Patients Undergoing Lumbar Discectomy

Today, lumbar herniation discs, are a prevalent problem with a sign of lumbar and foot pain in society. Previous studies show that patient education and follow-ups are important, therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of applying an educational program for Patients Undergoing Lumbar Discectomy on Knowledge and Self-Care Activities. Design: A quasi-experimental design was used to conduct this study. Subjects: A convenience sample of 50 adult patients admitted to the Neurosurgery Department, Alexandria Main University Hospital, diagnosed with lumbar disc prolapse, and scheduled for disc surgery. Tools: Four tools were used in the study. Tool I: Patients' assessment, Tool II: knowledge assessment questionnaire, Tool III: Barthel Index of Activities of daily living and Tool IV: Visual Analogue Pain Scale. Results: there were statistically significant changes in knowledge percent scores were detected in the study group post implementation of the educational program than pre. Additionally, the percentages of patients ’complains were decreased among the study group post application of the educational program and all the study group became independent post program implementation. Conclusion : Providing an educational program for such group of patients is effective to improve their knowledge and self-care activities. The study group had marked improvement in a satisfactory level of knowledge post-program implementation compared to the control group. Recommendation: The developed booklet with colored pictures which involving instructions about self-care activities must be distributed to each patient, undergoing lumbar disc herniation surgery in the neurosurgery department and outpatient clinics. Patient’s family member should be taught postoperatively about the precautions and exercises to improve patient outcomes and self-care activities. As well as replication of the study on large probability sample is recommended.