Identifying patient-centered support needs in aortic aneurysm care

Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) presents significant medical and psychosocial challenges. Despite advances in medical care and outcomes, little is known about the psychosocial and behavioral supportive care needs and priorities of individuals living with TAA.

Patients (N = 106) with a current or previous TAA completed a structured Needs Evaluation survey assessing perceived helpfulness, likelihood of attendance, and barriers across medical, psychological, behavioral, and exercise domains. Participants were categorized by treatment pathway (surgery vs. surveillance) and distress severity (high vs. low), using scores from the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21).

Across groups, patients endorsed strong interest in physical activity education, sleep management, and stress/anxiety management programs (≥80%). Despite high perceived helpfulness, fewer patients indicated willingness to attend (e.g., 78% vs. 23% for depression programs). The most common barriers were distance (43%) and time (36%), while disinterest and health limitations were infrequent. Patients with elevated distress more frequently endorsed psychological and symptom-management services as helpful and were more likely to attend. Endorsement patterns were largely similar across surgical and surveillance groups.

Patients with TAA express consistent interest in psychosocial and behavioral interventions, particularly those addressing stress, sleep, and activity. However, structural and motivational barriers limit participation.

Embedding brief, accessible educational, psychosocial, and behavioral programs within routine TAA care may enhance patient engagement and quality of life.