Well‐being in patients and relatives after open‐heart surgery from the perspective of health care professionals

Abstract

Developing the ability to recognise signs of reduced well-being is important for minimising the negative influences associated with open-heart surgery for patients and relatives. Increased awareness that both anger and avoidance can mask depression is important. Patients and their relatives, particularly younger ones, should be observed to ensure early detection of a life crisis provoked by the heart disease. Furthermore, staff should invite patients and their partners to talk about sexuality. Changes aimed at increasing patients' and relatives' well-being would be facilitated by interdisciplinary teamwork, 'reflection groups' for a greater exchange of knowledge and the implementation of a patient/family perspective. The latter would lead to greater interest in the relatives' situation and position in cardiac care.

Patient experiences of recovery after heart valve replacement: suffering weakness, struggling to resume normality

“…Often patients could not take care of themselves after hospital release and spoke about invaluable relatives . The relationships changed for a while; parents, partners and friends were given a new role as helpers both physically and emotionally, changes that have also been described in other cardiac operated patients [3]. Specifically, preparing food, assisting in heavy lifting, driving etc.…”

“…Heart surgery can be a challenging and stressful life-event [3], however, patient experiences after heart valve surgery are inadequately described.…”

Health-care professionals' documentation of wellbeing in patients following open heart surgery: a content analysis of medical records

“…Karlsson et al . () reported that HCPs found it easier to recognise anxiety than depressed mood after OHS. In the present study we emphasise the complex interplay between body and psyche by adding a mixed category ‘the physical–psychological dimension’.…”

“…Thus it is important to be aware that recovery after OHS is far more than survival and that successful reorientation to everyday life depends on various factors. Karlsson et al (2010) reported from focus group discussions that healthcare professionals (HCPs) described OHS as a life event characterised by vulnerability and insecurity that threatened patients' wellbeing. The HCPs' perceptions comprised bodily and emotional signs captured by means of direct communication with patients, although intuitive understanding was also employed.…”

Arts-informed research dissemination: Patients' perioperative experiences of open-heart surgery

“…Many studies have brought attention to the social, affective, and psychological dimensions of recovery from heart surgery. 4,5 Researchers, however, still find that patients believe a humanistic focus is neglected. 1 As a result, our team was inspired to consider critically how research evidence specific to this finding could be disseminated in ways that more fully affect practice.…”