Effects of Operative Transitional Care Program on Surgical Readiness and Clinical Outcomes in Older Adults Undergoing Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (Preprint)

BACKGROUND Early discharge after laparoscopic cholecystectomy may increase recovery challenges for older adults. Surgical readiness and caregiver preparedness remain inadequately addressed in Thai perioperative care, while mobile health-supported transitional care is limited. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effects of an Operative Transitional Care Program on surgical readiness and clinical outcomes among older adults undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy and their caregivers. METHODS A quasi-experimental pretest–posttest control group study. Older adults undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy and their caregivers were allocated to either an intervention group receiving an Operative Transitional Care Program or a control group receiving standard care. The program integrated structured preoperative preparation, caregiver engagement, and mHealth-supported follow-up. Outcomes included surgical readiness, early postoperative mobilization, quality of recovery (QoR-15), caregiver preparedness, and caregiver knowledge. Data were analyzed using comparative tests and mixed-effects regression. The study adhered to the TREND checklist. RESULTS Participants who received the intervention demonstrated improved surgical readiness prior to surgery and more favorable postoperative recovery patterns, including earlier mobilization and higher perceived quality of recovery. Caregivers in the intervention group also reported greater preparedness and improved knowledge compared with those receiving standard care. CONCLUSIONS The program improved surgical readiness, postoperative recovery, and caregiver capacity among older adults undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. CLINICALTRIAL TCTR20250616020