Specific needs, concerns, strategies and advice of caregivers after coronary artery bypass surgery

To describe concerns, needs, strategies and advice of coronary artery bypass (CABG) caregivers during the first 3 months post-surgery.

Nearly 400,000 patients underwent CABG surgery in 2010. While caregiving demand and difficulty has been investigated in early (4-8 weeks), mid (3 month), and later (6-12 months) recovery, no studies have explored early-to-mid concerns in-depth.

In this qualitative study, a purposive sample of CABG partners participated in structured interviews. Themes for burden concerns, needs and strategies were derived using constant comparative analysis.

One global theme 'knowing what I'm supposed to be doing' emerged. Specific themes related to medications, mobility, symptom monitoring, memory, appetite, emotional spirits, and finances.

The resounding need for a dedicated caregiver program to prepare partners for their role, including what to expect, warrants exploration. Future research should validate these concerns in more diverse samples so interventions can be targeted to better support caregivers.