Early mobilisation after colorectal surgery: a qualitative study

Background: Postoperative mobilisation after fast-track colorectal surgery is challenging for patients, and knowledge of patients' needs during this phase is important to improve surgical care. Aim: This study aimed to explore patients' views on, experiences of and recommendations for early mobilisation after colorectal surgery. Methods: This qualitative study used semi-structured individual interviews with patients in days 1–5 after colorectal surgery, and the data underwent content analysis. Findings: The 11 participants experienced dizziness and exhaustion impeding early mobilisation, and participants emphasised the importance of nurses for motivating mobilisation, as well as that they found the lack of space for exercising to be distressing. Companionship with other patients induced participants to get out of bed and help other patients mobilise. Finally, participants recounted their experiences of the usefulness of walking aids and of which activities were possible during hospitalisation. Conclusions: Nurses were key motivators for early mobilisation and need to be aware of this. Patients requested relevant exercises and space for exercising to facilitate postoperative recovery.