Feelings and attitudes during early convalescence following vascular surgery

This descriptive study examined patients' attitudes and feelings towards convalescence following vascular surgery. A convenience sample of 25 subjects consisted of patients who had initial (18) and repeat (7) surgery. A self-administered questionnaire and a semi-structured interview guide were utilized to examine patients' perceptions concerning health, uncertainty about the outcome of surgery and course of disease, and their degree of adherence to discharge instructions. The findings suggested that the early convalescent period was difficult for all patients, but particularly for those in the repeat surgery group. Although data analysis revealed no statistically significant differences in perceptions between groups, repeat surgery patients tended to experience less favourable perceptions of health, a higher level of uncertainty, and a lower rate of adherence to discharge instructions.