Role of Allied Health Professionals in Surgical Recovery: Multidisciplinary Approaches to Patient Care
Abstract
Surgical recovery is a multifaceted process that extends beyond the operating room, requiring the involvement of various healthcare professionals to ensure optimal outcomes. Allied health professionals (AHPs)—including physical therapists, occupational therapists, dietitians, speech-language pathologists, social workers, and psychologists—play a crucial role in postoperative recovery by addressing the diverse physical, emotional, and social needs of patients. This article explores the integral contributions of AHPs in surgical recovery, emphasizing the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to patient care. Key areas of focus include rehabilitation, functional independence, nutritional support, pain management, and psychosocial care. AHPs work collaboratively with surgeons, nurses, and other specialists to promote early mobilization, prevent complications, enhance recovery, and improve overall quality of life. The article also discusses the challenges
and barriers to effective multidisciplinary care, such as communication gaps and resource limitations, while highlighting the benefits of an integrated care model. Ultimately, the involvement of AHPs is essential to achieving comprehensive, patient-centered care that supports the holistic recovery of individuals following surgery.
How to cite this article:
Gupta R, Rana A, Kumar S, Role of Allied
Health Professionals in Surgical Recovery:
Multidisciplinary Approaches to Patient Care. J
Surg Nurs Allied Health Sci. 2025;1(1):14-19.
References
Reeve J, Norman A, Halpin D, et al. The impact of physical therapy on recovery after major surgery. J Clin Phys Ther. 2015;39(2): 89-94.
Thomas P, Wainwright T. The role of occupational therapy in surgical recovery: A multidisciplinary approach. J Occup Ther Health Care. 2017;31(4): 252-262.
Tew G, Murphy M, Johnson M, et al. Nutritional support and its role in postoperative recovery. Nutrition in Clinical Practice. 2019;34(2): 163-172.
Smith JA, Robinson L. The role of speech-language pathologists in post-surgical recovery. J Speech Lang Pathol. 2018;21(3): 305-310.
Lacey T, Reid R. The benefits of a multidisciplinary approach in surgical recovery. Surgical Recovery Journal.
;18(1): 42-50.
