A Supportive-educative telephone follow-up for post coronary artery bypass graft patients
Date
1995
Authors
Nevett, Judy A.
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Abstract
The purpose of this study was to describe the effects of a supportive-educative telephone program on the levels of anxiety and quality of life of patients' and their spouses undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery during the first 6 weeks after hospital discharge. Subjects were recruited from a western Canadian hospital following coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Prior to discharge from hospital, subjects (20 patients and their spouses) were assigned randomly to a control or experimental group. Both groups were pre- tested on state-trait anxiety levels and on quality of life measures.
Following discharge from hospital, the experimental subjects were given the researchers pager number whom they could contact if they had questions or concerns related to their convalescence. As well, the researcher initiated weekly telephone contact with the experimental participants. The control subjects had no further contact with the researcher until post-testing. The research was unique in that it offered these two streams of nursing care to the experimental participants. Firstly, it was patient directed, the patient or spouse initiated telephone contact when they were ready and able. Secondly, it was nurse directed, the nurse initiated weekly supportive-educative telephone follow-up. Both groups were post-tested on anxiety and quality of life at seven weeks post hospital discharge. Contrary to the hypothesis, data analysis with Analysis of Covariance did not reveal statistically significant differences (~ >.05) on the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory or the Index of Well-Being. Lack of statistically significant differences between the groups may be explained by the significant morbidity and rehospitalization rates (50%) experienced by the experimental subjects. Additionally, the types of problems and concerns encountered at home by patients and their families following discharge from hospital are reported and described. The most frequently reported patient concerns were related to cardiovascular problems, medications and arrythmia's. These reports are closely aligned to previous research findings. From these findings, several implications and recommendations for nursing practice and research have been generated.