The effects PROSTATE care model in the perioperative management of patients underwent radical prostatectomy: An initial experience

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the effectiveness after implementing the PROSTATE care model which aims to prepare and support patients for radical prostatectomy. Methods The PROSTATE care model was raised and developed based on literature review and available clinical practice guidelines. A total of 673 patients with prostate cancer were enrolled, including 295 patients who received conventional nursing pathway after radical prostatectomy between January 2015 and December 2017, and 378 patients after initiation of PROSTATE care model between January 2018 and December 2020. Length of hospital stay, postoperative outcomes, continence of patients, patient satisfaction and other related patient outcomes were compared between the two groups. Results After implementation, the average length of stay decreased from 9.19 ± 1.03 to 7.64 ± 0.98 days (p < .01) without compromising quality of care. Time to remove pelvic drainage tubes dropped from 9.66 ± 9.12 to 7.88 ± .44 days (p = .014), and urinary catheter shortened from 13.08 ± 2.13 days to 9.79 ± 2.40 days (p < .01). Moreover, patients ambulated earlier (p = .028), and recovered faster from incontinence at 3-month pad test (2.69 ± 2.26 vs 3.98 ± 2.74, p = .01) with a raised patient (p = .010). Conclusion The PROSTATE care model is focused on the patient-orientated care with efforts from multi-disciplinary team. This model ensures the perioperative safety, promotes faster recovery and improves quality of life without increasing complication rates.