Abstract
Aim: To examine the effects of “Comfort upon Rising” care (CUR) as a new type of early morning care.
Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study using a convenience sampling and non-random assignment
of 80 orthopedic postoperative inpatients needing ambulation assistance. The intervention group of 40
inpatients was given CUR designed to support the patients’ needs. The control group of 40 inpatients was
given conventional early morning care (CMC). Floor nurses conducted either CMC or CUR for subjects
beginning the morning after surgery and continuing for 3 days. Mood was measured by the Wake-up
Questionnaire (question I) and Profile of Mood States (POMS). Morning activities, which were daily living
activities, breakfast behaviors including breakfast intake rate, were measured by Wake-up Questionnaire
(question IV) and observation.
Results: Completing the study were 36 patients from the control group and 36 patients from the intervention
group. Mood and activities in the morning were improved in the CUR group.
Conclusion: CUR is a patient-centered care based on patients’ individual needs and promotes self-care. CUR
is more effective than CMC in promoting natural recovery after an operation.
Key words: activity, early morning care, patient-centered care, postoperative, recovery.