EFFECTS OF NURSING INTERVENTIONS ON SELF CARE AND WOUND MANAGEMENT AMONG POST- CORONARY ARTERY BYPASS GRAFTING PATIENTS

Abstract

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) is a standard cardiac procedure with potential post-operative challenges, including wound management and self-care deficiencies. The role of nursing interventions in improving self-care among these patients remains crucial. This study aimed to determine the effects of nursing interventions on self-care and wound management among post-coronary artery bypass grafting patients. Employing a quasi-experimental design, the study conducted pre-post comparisons in a single group of 36 post-CABG patients. The participants, predominantly middle-aged with a mean age of 61, were profiled based on various demographic and health parameters. Nursing interventions were assessed using pre-defined scales and the Bates-Jensen Wound Assessment Tool to determine the pre- and post-intervention status of the individuals. The interventions revealed significant improvements in several care dimensions: Physical Care improved from a pre-intervention mean score of 51.61 (SD=1.82) to 61.97 (SD=2.55), witnessing a mean difference of -10.36 (95% CI: -10.79 to -9.93, p=0.000). Emotional care experienced a surge from 31.61 (SD=1.82) to 38.72 (SD=2.34), resulting in a mean difference of -7.11 (95% CI: -7.42 to -6.80, p=0.000). Spiritual care enhanced from 43.64 (SD=1.82) to 50.94 (SD=2.70) with a mean difference of -7.31 (95% CI: -7.78 to -6.84, p=0.000). Workplace Self-Care marked an increase from 36.61 (SD=1.82) to 45.06 (SD=2.03), having a mean difference of -8.44 (95% CI: -8.90 to -7.99, p=0.000). Balance scores bettered from 5.06 (SD=0.98) to 7.58 (SD=0.73), showing a mean difference of -2.53 (95% CI: -2.70 to -2.36, p=0.000). In contrast, Psychological Care saw a decline from 51.11 (SD=2.38) to 41.61 (SD=1.82) with a mean difference of 9.50 (95% CI: 9.06 to 9.94, p=0.000). The nursing interventions positively affected several self-care dimensions, aiding in the holistic recovery of post-CABG patients. However, a decrease in psychological care scores suggests the necessity for an integrated approach that equally addresses all care dimensions, including psychological care.