Improving recovery following cardiac surgery: a randomized clinical trial*

Abstract

To enhance individual and family health during recovery from heart surgery, this study employed nursing interventions based on self-efficacy and family stress theory during the hospitalization period and for 3 months thereafter. The effectiveness of the interventions were assessed through a randomized trial in which 67 prospective bypass and valve surgery patients, aged 30-77 years, and their spouses, were allocated either the experimental interventions or usual care and followed for 6 months. At 3 months post-surgery, the only statistically significant differences between the experimentals and controls were on perceived self-efficacy for lifting and tolerating emotional distress. At 6 months no significant differences were found on individual or family measures. Analyses revealed that age, gender and preoperative cardiac status significantly affected individual recovery. The study is continuing with a larger sample in order to explicate the recovery process and to better determine whether a low intensity nursing intervention can effect changes in individual and family recovery.

Recovery Symptoms and Mood States in Thai CABG patients

“…Being a younger age was inversely associated with patients' levels of depression (Gortner et al, 1988;Yates & Belknap, 1991). Gender also has been found to be an important factor affecting recovery symptoms of CABG patients.…”

Patients’ and carers’ perceptions of factors influencing recovery after cardiac surgery

“…The time scale chosen was similar to previous studies to depict recovery during the early and later period after Hospital discharge (Marshall et al 1986, Gortner et al 1988, Beckie 1989, Goodman 1997, Roebuck 1999.…”

Surviving a critical illness through mutually being there with each other: A grounded theory study

“…Numerous researchers have conducted studies of the experiences of critically ill patients and the needs of their family members (Beach et al, 1992;Burr, 1996;Davies, 2000;Fridlund et al, 1993;Chien et al, 2006;Chui and Chan, 2007;Foster and Chaboyer, 2003;* Geary et al, 1994* Geary et al, , 1997Gortner et al, 1988;Holl, 1993;Johnson et al, 2001;Mishel and Murdaugh, 1987;Mutran et al, 1997;Parker, 1997;Saxe-Braithwaite and Chapman, 1992;Simpson, 1991). However, few have investigated the experiences and interactions that make up the informal support and care of both these groups of patients and their main family carers (MFC) simultaneously.…”