Patients' Experience Before Cardiac Surgery During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Psychology
• Qualitative Research

Background:

• Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) present significant mortality and disability challenges.
• CVDs impose a substantial financial burden on society.
• Patient quality of life is severely impacted by cardiovascular diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore patient experiences before cardiac surgery.
• To understand the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on preoperative patients.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative interview study design.
• Purposive sampling from Cardiovascular surgery department.
• Inductive thematic analysis following COREQ guidelines.

Main Results:

• Patients faced numerous preoperative challenges.
• Two key themes emerged: loneliness and loss of self.
• Patient interviews provided first-hand insights into preoperative experiences.

Conclusions:

• Pandemic conditions exacerbate psychological vulnerability in perioperative patients.
• Prioritizing patient experience is crucial for enhancing presurgical care.
• Addressing patient challenges promotes a holistic, patient-centered approach.