Experiences of adolescents and their families in the short-term after scoliosis surgery

Abstract

Objective: The study was performed to reveal experiences of adolescents and their families in the short-term after scoliosis surgery. Methods: This study had a qualitative descriptive design, and data were collected from adolescents with scoliosis surgery (n=17) and their family members (n=9) at in-depth interviews. Obtained data were analysed with content analysis. Results: Five main themes emerged: physical complaints, unfamiliar environment (operating room and intensive care unit), emotional changes, wanting their parents to stay with them and worries about future. Both the adolescents and their families reported that the adolescents experienced not only physical and emotional problems but also worries about their future after surgery. Conclusion: Nurses should meet the adolescents and their families and allow them to express their feelings before surgery. Informing them before surgery is important in terms of relieving their anxiety and enhancing their adaptation. Creating an appropriate environment in recovery rooms and intensive care units where the adolescents can frequently see their parents may help them have better psychology. In addition, education programs that will be offered at discharge should be designed and interactive methods should be used to allow them to share their thoughts about their future.