Waiting for cardiac surgery--support experienced by next of kin

Next of kin (NoK) play a crucial role for patients waiting for cardiac surgery.

To describe experience of support, in the form of important events, by next of kin while their intimates were waiting for a heart operation.

The design was qualitative and the "critical incident" technique was used. Incidents were collected via interviews with 23 next of kin to patients waiting for heart surgery and the informants were chosen by the patient themselves.

In all, 224 important events, both positive and negative, were identified in the interviews and two main areas emerged in the analysis: internal factors and external factors. Positive internal factors were associated with finding strength, whereas negative factors were associated with uncomfortable feelings. Positive external factors were associated with participating in care and receiving attention, whereas negative factors were associated with dissatisfaction with the health-care organization and failing social network.

This study shows that next of kin experienced positive support when they received attention and information and felt involvement in the care. An important implication for the health-care professionals and public authorities is the understanding of the experience of support expressed by next of kin, to provide them with optimal information and support.