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Patients' Experience Before Cardiac Surgery During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study
Marina Ahmetbegovic1, Ann-Cathrine Bramhagen2, Haris Huseinagic3
1Department of Care Science, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden.
Insights
Patients awaiting cardiac surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic experienced profound loneliness and a sense of self-loss. Addressing these psychological challenges is vital for improving preoperative care and patient well-being.
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.
Background:
Cardiovascular diseases, with their high mortality rates, significantly impact patients' quality of life, contribute to disability, and impose a substantial financial burden on society.
Aims And Objectives:
This study aimed to illuminate patients' experiences before undergoing cardiac surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Design:
This is a qualitative interview study.
Methods:
A purposive sampling technique was employed, with participants recruited from Department Cardiovascular surgery and interviewed to explore their experiences. An inductive thematic analysis was conducted, and reporting adhered to the EQUATOR guideline: COREQ.
Results:
The study identified numerous challenges faced by patients during the preoperative period. Consequently, two prominent themes emerged from the patients' experiences while awaiting cardiac surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic: the feeling of loneliness and the feeling of losing oneself.
Conclusions:
The psychological vulnerability of patients during the perioperative phase, intensified by circumstances such as a pandemic, can lead to emotional and behavioural instability, significantly impacting the patient negatively.
Relevance To Clinical Practice:
Prioritising the patient's experience is crucial in fortifying presurgical care. Delving into the nuanced perspectives of patients fosters a comprehensive understanding that transcends conventional approaches. This research underscores the significance of giving prominence to the patient perspective, offering opportunities for healthcare professionals to elevate the standard of patient care. Recognising and addressing the challenges faced by patients awaiting cardiac surgery can contribute to a more holistic and patient-centered approach in clinical practice.
Patient Or Public Contribution:
Patients contributed by sharing their experiences during interviews, providing first-hand insights that are presented in the study results.
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