Existential Needs of Open-Heart Surgery Patients for Holistic-Focused Patient Education: A Critical Synthesis

Background: Patients undergoing open-heart surgery require holistic-focused patient education to ensure they prepare for and recover in a manner that addresses all dimensions of well-being. However, patient education for this population of patients is predominantly biopsychosocially oriented, overlooking existential needs. Objective: To conduct a critical synthesis of the literature, exploring existential experiences of patients undergoing open-heart surgery, to inform holistic-focused patient education. Method: The literature was searched for research articles, with a focus on qualitative studies that included the existential experiences of open-heart surgery patients. Selected papers were appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist. Data synthesis was conducted using interpretive hermeneutics and expressed in themes. Results: The analysis of seven eligible studies yielded three themes: (a) being between a rock and a hard place: losing freedom, dependence on healthcare providers, (b) being connected with others: alleviating existential uncertainty, the nexus of support, and (c) being faithful: preparing and recovering authentically, trust, belief, and prayer. Conclusion: A focus only on biopsychosocially oriented patient education for open-heart surgery patients can be overcome through advocating for patients' existential needs, whereby healthcare providers emphasize empowerment, incorporate psychological services, and address spiritual and religious needs. Implications for holistic-focused patient education and holistic healthcare research are discussed.