Observational StudyReadiness for Discharge Following Lobectomy

This study aims to examine the relationship between the patient's perception of readiness for discharge after lobectomy and mobilization rates, frequency of visitation by family and friends, anxiety levels and pain levels. We will test the hypotheses that a) those patients who walk farther early after surgery and who have more visitors and decreased anxiety and pain levels will have a greater self-perceived readiness for discharge and b) that patients who receive daily ambulation goals and personal motivation will have higher step rates, and therefore have a greater self-perceived readiness for discharge, than those that do not. We will monitor patients, during the post-operative recovery period using pedometers to count steps taken, visitor log sheets, and questionnaires on the patients' anxiety, pain and perceived readiness for discharge. Furthermore, we will examine how the patient's self-perceived readiness for discharge is affected by study interventions which include ambulation goals and daily personal motivation.