Lived experiences of frail patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting: a phenomenological study

Frailty is critical consideration in cardiovascular surgery. Understanding frail patients' unique experiences is essential for providing personalized care.

The aim of this study was to explore the lived experiences of frail patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in the early postoperative period.

This qualitative, phenomenological study was conducted from June 28, 2021, to February 18, 2022, at a cardiovascular surgery department in an educational and research hospital in Türkiye. The sample included 14 frail patients, identified using the Modified Fried Frailty Index before surgery. Criterion sampling was used for selection, and data were gathered through semi-structured interviews during the early pre-discharge period. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using MAXQDA 2020 with content and thematic analysis.

The patients' (n = 14) average age was 65.6 ± 8.84 years, with 9 women and 13 married participants. Most had comorbidities, including hypertension and diabetes. The average hospital stay was 19.79±5.59 days, with 8.64±4.46 days spent in the ICU. Thirteen patients experienced postoperative complications. Four main themes and nine sub-themes emerged. The main themes were: (i)"Problems", (ii)'Coping', (iii)"Perceptions toward CABG" and (iv)"Expectations".

The findings reveal that frail patients experience complex, multidimensional challenges following CABG surgery. The study emphasizes the significance of individualized, holistic care approaches-including effective communication, psychosocial support, and tailored postoperative management-for this frail patients. Further attention to frailty-specific interventions that are responsive to the unique needs of these individuals is crucial to enhance recovery outcomes and quality of life in frail CABG patients.