Educational Needs Analysis for Postoperative Early Ambulation Among Surgical‐Ward Nurses and Patients: Using Borich Needs Assessment and Locus for Focus Models

ABSTRACT

Aims and Objectives

To identify and prioritize educational needs for early ambulation after abdominal surgery from the perspectives of surgical-ward nurses and postoperative patients.

Background

Early ambulation is a core component of enhanced recovery after abdominal surgery, yet educational gaps in nurses' practice and patients' participation remain underexplored.

Design

A descriptive cross-sectional study.

Methods

The study was conducted in a 2700-bed tertiary hospital in Seoul, Republic of Korea from May to August 2022. Nurses (n = 100) and postoperative patients (n = 111) after abdominal surgery completed validated self-report questionnaires assessing demographic and clinical characteristics and the perceived importance and performance of 15 early ambulation-related activities using 5-point Likert scales. Educational priorities were evaluated using the Borich Needs Assessment Model and the Locus for Focus Model.

Results

Both nurses and patients rated early ambulation as important, but notable gaps between perceived importance and actual performance were identified. Pre-ambulation preparation activities, including muscle-strength assessment and simple in-bed exercises, consistently showed the greatest discrepancies and were ranked as the highest-priority unmet educational needs across both Borich and Locus for Focus analyses.

Conclusions

Early ambulation after abdominal surgery is highly valued but inconsistently implemented by nurses and patients, revealing substantial unmet educational needs. Focusing education on pre-ambulation preparation, particularly muscle-strength assessment and in-bed exercises, may enhance engagement in early ambulation.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

The findings provide an evidence-based rationale for developing targeted educational programmes for surgical-ward nurses and postoperative patients that emphasize structured pre-ambulation preparation. Integrating these priorities into postoperative care may strengthen early ambulation practices and support improved recovery outcomes.

Reporting Method

STROBE guidelines.

Patient or Public Contribution

Postoperative patients and surgical-ward nurses participated in the study by completing the questionnaires used for data collection. No further patient or public involvement occurred in the design or analysis of this study.