Abstract
Aim: The aim of this systematic review was to synthesise findings from qualitative studies exploring patients' experiences in hospital or at home following open-heart surgery.
Methods: Systematic searches were conducted in CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, ProQuest Dissertation and Theses, and Web of Science, covering the period from 2006 to 2023. Studies were selected if they reported a qualitative inquiry into patients’ experiences after open-heart surgery. The quality of eligible studies was assessed using the JBI Critical Appraisal tool. A meta-aggregation approach was used to synthesise the findings.
Results: Twenty-one studies were included, representing 266 patients across 10 countries. Findings were aggregated into five synthesised findings: 1) information and education needs; 2) adaptation to post-surgical life and financial considerations; 3) support mechanisms; 4) the paradox in lifestyle adjustments post-surgery; 5) recovery trajectory and patient perception of life. These findings highlight the complex nature of recovery, emphasising educational and support needs. Patients maintained a positive stance towards their surgical outcomes, viewing the surgery as an opportunity for health revival. They viewed the surgery as an appreciation for their lives and those around them.
Conclusions: While the findings offer valuable insights into the patient’s physical and social well-being following open-heart surgery, they underscore the necessity of patient education, tailored support, and holistic care. Establishing a comprehensive support system by encompassing family members, healthcare professionals, and spiritual resources is imperative for effectively addressing the multifaceted challenges encountered during recovery.
PROSPERO registration: CRD42023427805
Methods: Systematic searches were conducted in CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, ProQuest Dissertation and Theses, and Web of Science, covering the period from 2006 to 2023. Studies were selected if they reported a qualitative inquiry into patients’ experiences after open-heart surgery. The quality of eligible studies was assessed using the JBI Critical Appraisal tool. A meta-aggregation approach was used to synthesise the findings.
Results: Twenty-one studies were included, representing 266 patients across 10 countries. Findings were aggregated into five synthesised findings: 1) information and education needs; 2) adaptation to post-surgical life and financial considerations; 3) support mechanisms; 4) the paradox in lifestyle adjustments post-surgery; 5) recovery trajectory and patient perception of life. These findings highlight the complex nature of recovery, emphasising educational and support needs. Patients maintained a positive stance towards their surgical outcomes, viewing the surgery as an opportunity for health revival. They viewed the surgery as an appreciation for their lives and those around them.
Conclusions: While the findings offer valuable insights into the patient’s physical and social well-being following open-heart surgery, they underscore the necessity of patient education, tailored support, and holistic care. Establishing a comprehensive support system by encompassing family members, healthcare professionals, and spiritual resources is imperative for effectively addressing the multifaceted challenges encountered during recovery.
PROSPERO registration: CRD42023427805
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 0294 |
| Pages (from-to) | 1-22 |
| Journal | Florence Nightingale Journal of Nursing |
| Volume | 33 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 24 Sept 2025 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Nursing (miscellaneous)
Keywords
- Experiences
- patients
- perceptions
- qualitative research
- review
- thoracic surgery
