Nursing care interventions significantly reduce pain and anxiety in patients undergoing ambulatory surgery, according to a meta-analysis of nine studies. Pain reduction (SMD = -1.224) and anxiety reduction (SMD = -1.53) were substantial, though improvements in functional status were not significant. High heterogeneity was observed for both pain (I² = 98.2%) and anxiety (I² = 96.6%). These findings support the integration of nursing care into postoperative management for ambulatory surgeries, highlighting its effectiveness in alleviating pain and anxiety, with further research needed on functional recovery.
Review by Xu H and Shi Y in Pak J Med Sci
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