Support needs of spouses of cardiac patients

A focus group approach was used to determine the perceived support needs of cardiac patients' significant others. Data were gathered during four focus groups of 2-6 people for a total of 13 informants. Two open-ended questions guided the discussion: (a) What was it like for a person to have someone close have a sudden heart problem? (b) What kind of support is needed during the experience? Informants included spouses of cardiac patients who were newly enrolled in a cardiac rehabilitation program. Discussion sessions were tape recorded. Transcripts were analyzed by using grounded theory. Results revealed three core categories: perceptions, needs, and strategies. Categories differed according to three phases of the illness: finding out, hospitalization, and recovery. The model differs in perceptions, needs, and strategies for support in each phase. Nurses can use this model to understand the needs of significant others and plan support interventions.