Abstract
Background: After undergoing a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), patients are discharged home and expected to self-manage all aspects of their post-discharge care, while awaiting cardiology review. This wait-time can be stressful for both first and repeat revascularisation patients in light of potential post-discharge complications which may be experienced. Patients may also have health misconceptions regarding their access site and management. Aim: To explore patients’ perceptions and management of arterial access sites post- nurse-led clinic attendance. Methods: Participants were part of a randomised controlled clinical trial. Intervention group participants received face-to-face nurse-led education and support. Standard care participants received follow-up telephone calls. As a duty of care the researcher engaged with some standard care group participants. Follow-up occurred at four time-points. Data were collected via participant self-report. Participants in both groups discussed their access sites and provided images to reflect their perception of healing at each time-point. Results: Overall, for all participants, minor vascular complications occurred post-procedurally and included bruising and small haematomas. Descriptions of participants’ access sites and healing were accurately reflected by photographic and/or diagrammatic images provided. All participants reported engaging in regular wound-site observation. Repeat revascularisation patients highlighted paying greater attention to their wound site than on previous occasions given the study's requirements to provide access site images. Conclusion: Overall, nurse-led follow-up demonstrated that regular contact and reinforcement of patient education facilitated greater access site observation and confidence to self-manage. Despite intervention group participants receiving additional education, all participants, based on having nurse contact reported better site care.
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