Coronary artery bypass grafting: Patients' and health professionals' views of recovery after hospital discharge

Background: Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is effective in relieving symptoms and reducing mortality but some patients report no improvement or a decline in quality of life and hence do not experience a good recovery after surgery. Little published research has explored patients' and particularly health professionals' views on barriers and facilitators to recovery or the processes by which these factors affect recovery. Aims: To identify post-discharge facilitators and barriers to recovery after CABG. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 patients who had previously undergone elective, isolated, first-time CABG and with 10 health professionals experienced in caring for these patients. Results: Thematic analysis identified the following themes: person characteristics, including the impact on recovery of anxiety, depression, optimism and determination; rehabilitation classes; social support; and the effect of surgery. Findings indicate a complex relationship between the various barriers and facilitators to recovery and explore possible processes by which these influences on recovery operate. Conclusions: Findings have indicated areas where health professionals can intervene to aid patients' long-term recovery, and thereby maximise the benefits of CABG, by providing information, support and reassurance particularly to patients who appear anxious and/or depressed. (C) 2007 European Society of Cardiology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.