[Associations Among Changes in Meridian Energy, Quality of Life During Surgery, and Prognoses in Newly Diagnosed Lung Cancer Patients: A Longitudinal Study].

BACKGROUND

Approximately 30% of patients experience postoperative complications after surgery for early-stage lung cancer. However, the relationships among meridian energy during lung cancer surgery, changes in quality of life, and prognosis have not been investigated.

PURPOSE

This study was designed to explore the associations among meridian energy, changes in quality of life, and prognosis in patients with newly diagnosed lung cancer undergoing surgery.

METHODS

A longitudinal, repeated-measures design was used. Basic data forms, meridian energy measurements, and a concise 12-item health status questionnaire were administered to the participants at the time of diagnosis, 2 weeks post-surgery, and 12 weeks post-surgery. During this period, changes were analyzed, and their association with postoperative risks was explored.

RESULTS

Forty-eight cases were investigated. Both meridian energy and quality of life were found to be significantly decreased 2 weeks after surgery. The high/low ratio of meridian energy, the physical component score of the Short Form 12-Item Health Survey Questionnaire, gender, cancer stage, and body mass index were identified as significantly associated with prognosis.

CONCLUSIONS / IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Conclusion/Implications for Practice: The declining trends in meridian energy and quality of life during the 2 weeks after surgery in patients with lung cancer are associated with poor postoperative prognoses. Nurses may use the findings of this study to identify patients at high risk of postoperative complications and develop appropriate strategies to provide comprehensive care.