Stressors associated with coronary bypass surgery

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Psychology
• Cardiology

Background:

• Patient and nurse perceptions of stress may differ.
• Understanding these differences is crucial for effective patient care and support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To replicate the findings of Carr and Powers (1986) regarding patient and nurse perceptions of stress.
• To examine differences in perceived stressfulness of hospital- and illness-related stressors in coronary bypass surgery patients.

Main Methods:

• A replication study using the Stressor Scale developed by Carr and Powers (1986).
• Participants included 24 coronary bypass surgery patients and 24 cardiothoracic nurses.
• Three one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) statistical procedures were employed.

Main Results:

• The major findings of the original Carr and Powers (1986) study were replicated.
• Cardiothoracic nurses rated hospital-related and illness-related stressors as significantly more stressful for patients compared to patient self-ratings.

Conclusions:

• Significant discrepancies exist between nurse and patient perceptions of stress in the context of coronary bypass surgery.
• These findings highlight the importance of considering both patient and caregiver perspectives in managing surgical stress.