Patient reactions to cancelled or postponed heart operations

Abstract

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Economic and psychological burden of scheduled surgery cancellation in a sub-Saharan country (Burkina Faso)

“…Ivarsson et al 31 found that 71 (61%) patients reacted negatively and organisational reasons were the most stressful. Sadness (49.4%) and anger (16.7%) were the main emotions stated in relation to cancellation.…”

“…Cost was frequently evaluated using different tools according to the hospital concerned and the level of the country's development. DOSC has longer term negative emotional effects on the patient, 12 which include anxiety and depression after hospital discharge. 13 In Burkina Faso, Lankoandé et al 14 (2016) reported that 36.9% of scheduled surgery was cancelled and most (68.5%) cancellations were avoidable.…”

Postponed or cancelled heart operations from the patient's perspective

“…Patients also worry that their operation may be delayed (McCleane & Cooper 1990, Cobley et al 1991. Should the waiting time be complicated by a sudden postponement or cancellation of the heart surgery, then most patients feel this to be a strongly negative experience (Davenport 1991, Bresser et al 1993, Ivarsson et al 2002.…”

Perioperative Dental Evaluation

“…Therefore, the benefit of properly treating such a chronic condition at the expense of delaying the procedure, which most likely poses a more urgent threat to the patient's overall health, is usually not practical. In fact, the consequences of postponing a case may include the depressing effect of cancellation on patients and their families because of the high levels of emotional stress and anxiety that are associated with surgery, 78,79 working days lost, and disruption of daily life. There is also the potential for revenue losses incurred by the hospital.…”