Abstract: Objective: To construct transitional care scheme for patients with esophageal cancer and analyze its clinical application effect. Methods: The scheme was constructed under the guidance of supportive care theory, by using literature review, group discussion and Delphi method. A total of 60 patients with esophageal cancer who underwent surgical treatment in the Department of Thoracic Surgery of a tertiary grade A hospital from January to December 2019 were selected as the control group, received routine nursing care. From January to December 2020, 60 patients were selected as the intervention group and received transitional care based on WeChat mini program. Two groups of patients were evaluated at four time points: 1 day before discharge, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after surgery. The Specific Support and Care Needs Scale for Patients with Esophageal Cancer (SSCNS-E), Family Resilience Scale Chinese version (FRAS-C), and Esophageal Cancer Quality of Life Scale (QLQ-OES 18) were used as tools. Results: There were statistically significant differences in the total score of SSCNS-E and FRAS-C between the two groups of esophageal cancer patients in terms of group, time, and interaction effects (P<0.05). There were statistically significant differences in the group and time effects of QLQ-OES 18 scores (P<0.05). Conclusion: The postoperative transitional care scheme for esophageal cancer patients constructed in this study is reasonable and feasible, and conducive to the rehabilitation of patients.

Key words: esophageal cancer; surgery; transitional care; specific support care requirement; family resilience; quality of life