The effects of discharge training and postdischarge counseling on quality of life after coronary artery bypass graft surgery

Abstract

Background: Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery is associated with different postoperative problems such as lengthy rehabilitation period and decreased quality of life (QOL). Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of discharge training and postdischarge counseling on QOL after CABG. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was carried out on a convenience sample of 100 patients who underwent CABG surgery in Seyedoshohad Heart Hospital, Urmia, Iran. Using a nonrandom assignment technique, patients were allocated to a control and an intervention group. Patients in the intervention group were provided with an educational booklet as well as discharge training and postdischarge counseling. Training and counseling services continued up to 6 weeks after hospital discharge. Patients in the control group only received routine discharge and postoperative services. The 36-item Short Form Survey was used to measure QOL both in the admission day and 6 weeks after hospital discharge. A home follow-up form was also completed for all patients 2 and 10 days and 6 weeks after hospital discharge. The data were analyzed via the paired-sample t, independent-sample t, Chi-square, Fisher's exact, Mann–Whitney U and Wilcoxon signed ranks tests. Results: The baseline mean scores of QOL in the control and the intervention groups were respectively 46.89 ± 11.91 and 46.53 ± 15.04, with no between-group difference (P = 0.90). Six weeks after hospital discharge, the mean score of QOL in the intervention group was significantly greater than the control group (93.19 ± 4.45 vs. 47.00 ± 13.43; P < 0.001). Conclusions: Discharge training and postdischarge counseling are effective in improving postoperative QOL among patients who undergo CABG surgery.