Colorectal cancer is a disease with a major worldwide burden. Care for
colorectal cancer patients undergoing surgery tends to be suitable for
clinical pathway development because of high-cost of the procedure and
the predictable course of events and complications that may occur during
hospitalization. Objective: Determine the effect of clinical pathway
application on health outcomes of patients undergoing colorectal surgery.
Setting: The study was conducted in the Colon and Rectal Surgical Unit at
Alexandria Main University Hospital. Subjects: A convenience sample of
50 adult patients with colon or rectal cancer or both undergoing colorectal
surgery was included. They were equally and randomly recruited into two
groups: a control group and a study 25 each. Tools: Three tools were used
for data collection. I: Perioperative Colorectal Surgery Patient Assessment.
II: Clinical Pathway Variance Observational Checklist, and III: Colorectal
Surgical Patient's Satisfaction tool. Results: There were statistical
significant differences between control and study group with whom the
(clinical pathway was implemented) as they showed better post colorectal
outcomes in relation to wound healing, pain control, achieving criteria for
discharge. Conclusion: Patients undergoing colorectal surgery on whom
the clinical pathway was applied exhibited improved postoperative
outcomes than those on whom it was not. Recommendations: It is
recommended that colorectal surgery clinical pathway be used rather than
the traditional delivery of care.