Effectiveness of Deep Breathing Exercise for Postoperative Pulmonary Complications Prevention: A Systematic Review / 기본간호학회지

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study was done to evaluate effectiveness of deep breathing exercise as a postoperative intervention to prevent pulmonary complications. METHODS: A search of databases from 1990 to 2012 was done including MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library and eight Korean databases. Ten studies met eligibility criteria. Researchers trained in systematic review, independently assessed the methodological quality of selected studies using the Cochrane's risk of bias tool. Data were analyzed using RevMan 5.2 program. RESULTS: Among ten RCTs in four studies, deep breathing exercise was compared with an instrument using interventions such as incentive spirometry, in the other four studies deep breathing exercise was compared with non-intervention, and in last two studies bundles of interventions including coughing and early ambulation were assessed. A significant difference was found between deep breathing exercise group and non-intervention group. The odds ratio (OR) of occurrence of pulmonary complications for deep breathing exercise versus non-intervention was 0.30. However, there was no significant difference between deep breathing exercise group and incentive spirometry group (OR=1.22). CONCLUSION: Deep breathing exercise is vital to improving cost-effectiveness and efficiency of patient care in preventing postoperative pulmonary complications. For evidence-based nursing, standardized guidelines for deep breathing in postoperative care should be further studied.