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Reducing family stress during and after coronary artery bypass surgery
Insights
Spouses of coronary artery bypass surgery patients experience significant stress and unmet needs. A proposed nursing program supports families through recovery, improving patient and marital outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Nursing
- Family Health
- Psychosocial Care
Background:
- Coronary artery bypass surgery (CABS) impacts not only patients but also their families.
- Spouses often face significant stress and unmet needs during the patient's recovery period.
- Existing care models may not adequately address the family's psychosocial well-being post-surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the stresses and unmet needs experienced by couples after CABS.
- To propose a family-centered nursing care program to mitigate these challenges.
- To enhance nursing support for families navigating the recovery process.
Main Methods:
- A study involving couples undergoing CABS to assess stress levels and marital dynamics.
- Qualitative and quantitative data collection on patient and spouse experiences.
- Development of a proposed nursing care model based on identified needs.
Main Results:
- Spouses reported higher stress levels than patients during hospitalization.
- Couples experienced significant marital conflict and dissatisfaction in the first six months post-surgery.
- Patients and spouses felt unprepared for recovery and lacked consistent provider support.
Conclusions:
- Hospital-based nurses can address numerous stresses and unmet needs of families post-CABS.
- A comprehensive nursing program focusing on preparation, discharge, and follow-up is essential.
- Treating the family unit, not just the patient, is crucial for effective recovery and well-being.
Abstract:
Based on the findings of this study of couples after coronary artery bypass surgery, there are numerous stresses and unmet needs that might be addressed by hospital-based nurses. The study demonstrated that, as a group, the spouses of the bypass patients report higher levels of stress than the patients did while in the hospital. Together, patients and spouses reported high levels of marital conflict, dissatisfaction, and discord during the first 6 months after the surgery. Many indicated that they were unprepared for these experiences. Further, they found it difficult to maintain continuity with a provider who could answer their questions about recovery. As a result of these findings a program of nursing care that focuses on the family during and after coronary artery bypass surgery has been proposed. The model program consists of preparation for surgery, preparation for discharge, and continuous contact with the family after discharge, at least through the first follow-up appointment with the surgeon at 6 weeks. For each phase it is necessary to consider content that is appropriate to the individual patient, but it is essential to include content aimed at reducing the stresses and risk experienced by the family as well. By doing so hospital-based nurses are treating the family as well as nursing the patient through this episode of acute illness.