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Waiting for coronary artery bypass surgery: a qualitative analysis
D Fitzsimons1, K Parahoo, M Stringer
1Belfast City Hospital, Belfast. donna.fitzsimons@bch.n-i.nhs.uk
Journal of Advanced Nursing
|December 15, 2000
Summary
Patients awaiting coronary artery bypass surgery (CABS) experience significant uncertainty, chest pain, and anxiety. Providing more information and nursing support can improve patient outcomes during the waiting period.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Qualitative Health Research
- Patient Experience
Background:
- Waiting lists for coronary artery bypass surgery (CABS) are prevalent globally.
- Limited understanding exists regarding patient needs during the CABS waiting period.
Purpose of the Study:
- To qualitatively investigate the lived experience of patients awaiting CABS.
- To identify key themes and patient concerns during the pre-operative waiting phase.
Main Methods:
- Prospective qualitative study involving 70 patients on CABS waiting lists.
- Interviews conducted at three time points over one year (referral, 6 months, 1 year).
- Thematic content analysis of transcribed interviews.
Main Results:
- Three central themes emerged: uncertainty, chest pain, and anxiety.
- Six secondary themes included powerlessness, dissatisfaction, anger, physical incapacity, reduced self-esteem, and altered social relationships.
- Uncertainty, chest pain, and anxiety were identified as indicators of negative patient outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Patients awaiting CABS require enhanced communication regarding waiting times.
- Nursing interventions should focus on pain management, patient education, and anxiety reduction.
- Findings offer new evidence for nursing practice and future research in pre-operative care.