Effects of individualized high-quality nursing on psychological regulation and rehabilitation outcomes in postoperative non-small cell lung cancer patients

Accurate evaluation of postoperative recovery in patients with lung resection is essential because both psychological distress and impaired physical function are common and may delay rehabilitation. This study investigated the effectiveness of an individualized high-quality care program that incorporated structured physical activity with targeted psychosocial support. A prospective cohort design was employed, and patients were allocated to either routine postoperative care or an individualized intervention for four weeks following hospital discharge. Anxiety was assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale–Anxiety subscale (HADS-A), while functional capacity was measured with the Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT). Baseline data showed no significant differences between groups in demographic or clinical characteristics. After the intervention, both groups demonstrated improvement, but the individualized group achieved substantially greater reductions in HADS-A scores (−3.00 vs. −1.04, p < 0.001) and significantly larger increases in 6MWT distance (+31.42 m vs. +4.50 m, p < 0.001). These changes exceeded thresholds considered clinically meaningful, suggesting a robust effect of individualized intervention on both emotional stability and physical endurance. The findings highlight the value of integrating patient-tailored psychosocial support with structured mobility programs to enhance recovery trajectories. This approach addresses the interplay between psychological and functional domains, thereby offering a more comprehensive model for rehabilitation. Broader application of this strategy may contribute to improved quality of life, reduced risk of complications, and better long-term outcomes for individuals undergoing thoracic surgery.