Patients’ experiences with symptoms and needs in the early rehabilitation phase after coronary artery bypass grafting

Background: The first month after discharge for Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) is particularly challenging for the patients. A larger interview study is warranted to elicit CABG patients’ detailed experiences, and give direction for future clinical practice.Aim: To explore the CABG patients’ symptoms and needs in the early rehabilitation phase.Methods: A qualitative, mixed method design integrating qualitative and quantitative approaches was used. Ninety-three CABG patients aged 39-77, participated in interviews at home after 2 and 4 weeks. The semi-structured interview guide covered: experiences of relief of angina pectoris after surgery, experiences with prescribed discharge medications, psychological experiences: anxiety, depression, sexuality, health professional contact persons, and patient defined experiences.Results: Two weeks after CABG the patients symptoms and needs were characterised by a substantial amount of uncertainty and worries related to what to expect and what was normal for postop...