Effect of an integrated nursing strategy incorporating Orem’s self-care model on postoperative recovery in colorectal cancer patients

[Objectives] To evaluate the efficacy of an integrated nursing strategy incorporating Orem’s self-care model on postoperative recovery in colorectal cancer patients. [Methods] A total of 202 colorectal cancer patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery from January 2022 to August 2024 were randomized into a control group (routine nursing, n=101) and an observation group (integrated nursing strategy incorporating Orem’s self-care model, n=101) using a random number table. Perioperative outcomes (time to first ambulation, first flatus, first oral intake, hospital stay, drainage tube removal, and urinary catheter removal), postoperative pain intensity at days 1, 3, and 7 (assessed by visual analog scale), and quality of life before and after intervention (evaluated by the short-from-36 health survey) were compared between the two groups. [Results] The observation group showed significantly shorter time to first ambulation, first flatus, first oral intake, hospital stay, drainage tube removal, and urinary catheter removal compared to the control group (P<0.05). Visual analog scale scores in the observation group were lower than those in the control group at all postoperative time points (P<0.05). Both groups exhibited reduced visual analog scale scores at days 3 and 7 compared to day 1, with further reduction at day 7 versus day 3 (P<0.05). Before intervention, the short-from-36 health survey scores in each dimension were comparable between the two groups (P>0.05). After intervention, the short-from-36 health survey scores in each dimension increased in both groups, with significantly higher scores in the observation group than the control group (P<0.05). [Conclusion] The integrated nursing strategy incorporating Orem’s self-care model accelerates postoperative recovery, alleviates pain, and improves quality of life in colorectal cancer patients.