Evaluation of the application effect of the continuous care model after radical prostatectomy based on IKAP theory

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a continuous nursing model based on the information-knowledge-attitude-practice (IKAP) theory for patients after radical prostatectomy. Methods: Data were collected from July 2022 to August 2023, involving 104 patients from the Department of Urology at a hospital in Dongyang, Zhejiang Province. Patients were divided into IKAP and routine groups, each starting with 52 individuals and concluding with 47 effective cases. The routine group received standard postoperative care, while the IKAP group received care through a continuous nursing model based on the IKAP theory in addition to routine care. We compared disease awareness scores (acceptance, helplessness, and perception), prostate symptoms [International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS)], urinary incontinence status (ICIQ-SF score), anxiety levels [Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) score], quality of life (SF-12 score), self-management efficacy [Strategies Used by People to Promote Health (SUPPH) score], and compliance behaviors (medication adherence, daily exercise, functional exercise, and regular follow-up) between the two groups. Results: The acceptance and perception scores of the IKAP group after nursing were higher than those in the conventional group, and the scores of helplessness were lower than those in the conventional group, with both P < 0.05. The IPSS score and ICI-Q-SF score after nursing care in the IKAP group were lower than those in the conventional group, with P < 0.05. The SAS score after nursing care in the IKAP group was lower than that in the conventional group, and the SF-12 score was higher than that in the conventional group, with a P < 0.05. The scores of positive attitude, self-stress reduction, and self-decision-making on the SUPPH scale after nursing care in the IKAP group were higher than those in the conventional group, with all P < 0.05. The implementation rates of medication compliance, daily exercise, functional exercise, and regular follow-up in the IKAP group were higher than those in the conventional group, with a P < 0.05. Conclusion: The continuous nursing model based on IKAP theory significantly improves disease cognition, reduces prostate symptoms and urinary incontinence, alleviates anxiety, enhances quality of life, boosts self-management efficacy, and improves medical compliance behaviors in patients after radical prostatectomy. This model is highly effective in promoting postoperative recovery and is worthy of promotion and application.