Question
What is pre-habilitation?
Answer
Pre-habilitation is when you have multidisciplinary interventions for patients that are going to be having elective surgeries, such as a total knee replacement, hernia repair, or heart surgery. The interventions are done with the intention of diminishing the side effects of a medical or surgical procedure. The goal is to increase their baseline fitness before surgery to make recovery easier.
Examples include teaching a patient active and passive range of motion exercises or strengthening exercises such as with a TheraBand. It also includes breathing exercises they might need such as an incentive spirometer, blow bottles, or expiratory maneuvers. Another example is to add high protein supplements or drinks to their diet.
When patients are taught these things before the surgery, then they are better prepared and know what to expect after surgery. They will be familiar with the exercises and can initiate them and not struggle with them right after their intervention. The protein supplements will help prevent muscle wasting and rebuild, strengthen, and tone muscles. Pre-habilitation, in some cases, is done before the patient even gets into the hospital.
This Ask the Expert is an edited excerpt from the course, When Bed Rest Causes Harm: Early Mobilization for the Mechanically Ventilated Patient, presented by Nancy Nathenson, BS, RRT.
