Perceived learning needs of Syrian patients postcoronary artery bypass graft surgery

To describe the perceived learning needs of Syrian patients who underwent coronary artery bypass graft surgery before hospital discharge and to examine the differences in the mean scores of the categories (subscales) of the modified Cardiac Patients Learning Needs Inventory according to the demographic characteristics of the participants.

Knowledge about the learning needs of patients who underwent coronary artery bypass graft surgery can help nurses in coronary care units to provide them with the information that they need. This might improve their quality of life through decreasing complications, length of stay in the hospital and hospital readmissions.

A descriptive design was used for this study.

A convenience sample of 135 patients participated in this study and completed the demographic form and the modified Cardiac Patients Learning Needs Inventory.

Information about chest and leg wound care, complications, medication and physical activity was the most important learning needs. There were significant differences between patients' perceptions of learning needs and their age, chronic illnesses and their working status.

Syrian patients who underwent coronary artery bypass graft surgery were able to identify their learning needs that should be the focus of nursing practice.

Meeting the needs of patients who underwent coronary artery bypass graft surgery should be emphasised in nursing practice. Meeting these needs might enhance their self-care behaviours.