There is evidence that increased symptoms of psychological distress is a strong predictor of no change-deterioration trajectories in HRQoL and that this relationship is influenced by personality trait Type D. We conclude that mediating factors, especially increased anxiety and depression, should be treated adequately in post-CABG clinical routine.

Readers should be cautious when interpreting the results of clinical pathway evaluation studies because of the confounding factors and sources of contamination affecting the evidence-based validity of the outcomes.

The aim of designing and implementing pathways is to decrease length of stay and costs, while maintaining quality of care and improving patient outcomes. Our findings suggest that these aims were not fulfilled in this CABG pathway. We recommend that when designing a CP, all patient-related characteristics, risk indicators, along with physiological status, be taken into consideration.