Abstract
AIM: The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of 3D animation combined with teach-back health education on the recovery of low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) patients. BACKGROUND: LARS is the most common problem after anus-preserving surgery in rectal cancer. Pelvic floor muscle training can promote the recovery of recto-anal function. METHODS: Ninety-nine patients with LARS were randomly divided into control group, experiment group I, and experiment group II. The control group was guided by one-to-one verbal pelvic floor muscle training. The experiment group I was given self-made 3D animation along with one-to-one pelvic floor muscle guidance. The 3D animation and teach-back methods were used for training and guidance in the experiment group II. The outcome measures were scores of low anterior resection syndrome scale items, as well as the completion of training content. RESULTS: The degree of completion of training content in the experiment group II was higher than that of the control group and experiment group I. The total score of LARSS in the experiment group II was significantly lower than in the control group and experiment group I. In particular, scores of loose stool incontinence, defecation frequency level, tenesmus, and defecation urgency in experiment group II were better than those in the control group. CONCLUSION: 3D animation combined with teach-back health education improved the mastery of pelvic floor muscle training theory and practice in LARS patients, and effectively reduced the symptoms. Implications for Nursing Management. This intervention promoted the recovery of pelvic floor muscle function in LARS patients and can be regarded as an effective measure to improve quality of life and provide better clinical care for patients.