331 Pilot Study for Evaluating Clinical Outcome and Socioeconomic Value of a Novel Integrative Healing Services Approach to Neurosurgery Inpatients

Abstract

Abstract INTRODUCTION Neurosurgery inpatients are oftentimes critically ill and are admitted for a variety of pathologies. They face significant stress, post-operative pain, and/or emotional distress due to their underlying condition. As a result, decreased patient satisfaction, increased post-surgical pain, and increased hospital stays are not uncommon. This study aims to characterize and evaluate Integrative Healing Services (IHS)in decreasing postoperative pain and stress, and improving patient mobility, independence level, and satisfaction. METHODS From June-September 2016, an Integrative Healing Services team was developed (e.g. acupuncture, healing touch, music therapy, pet therapy, and counseling) and incorporated into the treatment regimen of neurosurgery inpatients with chronic or intractable pain, stress or depression, and/or patients who refused or failed physical or occupational therapy. Patients with greater than ten days of inpatient stay were included in this study.Patients completed baseline questionnaires before and after undergoing IHS intervention. RESULTS >37 charts were retrospectively reviewed, with 17 patients receiving IHS (11 cranial and 6 spine cases), and 20 age-matched controls receiving standard of care (10 cranial and 10 spine patients). Overall, 71% (12/17) of patients had a reduction in pain medication consumption, with 55% (6/11) of cranial and 100% (6/6) of spine patients reporting a reduction. The average pre-treatment pain-scale score was 5.5 out of 10 across all patients, while the average post-treatment pain-scale score was 3 out of 10 (p << .01). 59% of patients had improved mobility. The average decrease in the post-level of assistance is 15% across all patients (p<.05), and 11% and 21% in the cranial and spine groups, respectively. 65% of all patients, 64% of cranial, and 67% of spine patients demonstrated improved independence levels with physical therapy. The average length of stay in the experimental group was 12.6 days, and 19.8 days in the control group (range 5–45) (P < .01). CONCLUSION IHS intervention is effective in improving the healing process of neurosurgery inpatients, increasing satisfaction, and decreasing hospital stay.