When nursing takes the lead, the patient wins: surgical prehabilitation as model clinical success
A surgical model led by nursing improves patient preparation and response
23 | 01 | 2026
The importance of preparing patients before surgery was the subject of analysis at the session entitled "When nursing takes the lead, patients win. Prehabilitation,"held on Wednesday, January 21, at the University of postgraduate program headquarters in Madrid. Visitación Izquierdo, nurse manager the rehabilitation unit at Infanta Cristina University Hospital, shared with professionals from different hospitals in the Community of Madrid how this approach improves clinical outcomes and the overall patient experience.
Surgical prehabilitation is a pre-surgery intervention process with a approach that combines evaluation , nutritional recommendations, and psychological support, among other elements, to optimize the patient's condition from the moment the intervention is indicated, with the goal reducing complications and promoting faster recovery.
During her speech, Visitación Izquierdo emphasized that "when patients arrive prepared for surgery, not only do clinical outcomes improve, but so do their emotional well-being and sense of security about the process." She also explained that nursing staff act as the coordinating hub for this process, conducting evaluation to identify needs and design personalized preparation plans.
Accompanied by Silvia Morel, Director of Nursing at Infanta Cristina University Hospital, Izquierdo detailed the patient's journey within the prehabilitation program, a model implemented at the hospital for different types of surgery (scheduled surgeries, major outpatient surgery, or cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant treatment) that require prior optimization.
The workshop a exchange of experiences among the professionals who attended, who were also able to learn in detail about the phases of the program and the results observed at the Infanta Cristina University Hospital. The initiative highlights how nursing, with a proactive and patient-centered approach, contributes significantly to clinical outcomes and the efficiency of healthcare services.
