Re(h)ability4life- projeto de melhoria contínua da qualidade de Enfermagem de Reabilitação em cirurgia cardiotorácica

Maria Loureiro; Aurora Sequeira; Ana Ferreira; Marta André; Ana Bela Santos; João Duarte

doi:10.33194/rper.2026.44819

Authors

Maria Loureiro Escola Superior de Enfermagem da Universidade de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3201-3079
Aurora Sequeira Unidade Local de Saúde de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal https://orcid.org/0009-0001-1607-1984
Ana Ferreira Unidade Local de Saúde de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal https://orcid.org/0009-0005-5033-3764
Marta André Unidade Local de Saúde de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal https://orcid.org/0009-0000-1665-4971
Ana Bela Santos Unidade Local de Saúde de Coimbra https://orcid.org/0009-0002-8242-6381
João Duarte Unidade Local de Saúde de Coimbra

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33194/rper.2026.44819

Keywords:

Rehabilitation nursing, Activity intolerance, Thoracic surgery, Quality in health, Quality Indicators, Healthcare

Abstract

Introduction: Activity intolerance (AI) is common among individuals undergoing cardiothoracic surgery, compromising functional capacity and quality of life. Despite its high prevalence, the diagnosis of AI and the implementation of interventions targeting this focus remain undervalued in clinical practice.

Methodology: A continuous quality improvement project, based on the Deming-PDCA cycle and Heather Palmer’s methodology, was developed to increase diagnostic effectiveness and the resolution rate of activity intolerance as indicators of care quality. To achieve this, a structured Rehabilitation Nursing care model was implemented for individuals with AI. Structure, process, and outcome indicators were defined. Data were obtained from SClínico® records and unit activity reports between 2022 and 2023.

Results: A total of 2,634 individuals undergoing cardiothoracic surgery with AI were included in the Re(h)ability4life project. During the implementation period, a progressive increase was observed in the diagnostic effectiveness rate of AI, reaching 93.89%, while the resolution rate reached 85%. The structured Rehabilitation Nursing care model was implemented in 100% of individuals diagnosed with AI, contributing to the standardization of clinical practice.

Conclusion: AI is a sensitive focus of Rehabilitation Nursing care in individuals undergoing cardiothoracic surgery. The Re(h)ability4life project contributed to improving diagnostic effectiveness, increasing the resolution rate of AI, and systematizing care, as evidenced by the favourable evolution of the monitored quality-of-care indicators.

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