Facilitators of and barriers to reducing thirty-day readmissions and improving patient-reported outcomes after surgical aortic valve replacement: a process evaluation of the AVRre trial.

BACKGROUND: The Aortic Valve Replacement Readmission (AVRre) randomized control trial tested whether a telephone intervention would reduce hospital readmissions following surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). The telephone support provided 30 days of continuous phone-support (hotline) and two scheduled phone-calls from the hospital after discharge. The intervention had no effect on reducing 30-day all-cause readmission rate (30-DACR) but did reduce participants' anxiety compared to a control group receiving usual care. Depression and participant-reported health state were unaffected by the intervention. To better understand these outcomes, we conducted a process evaluation of the AVRre trial to gain insight into the (1) the dose and fidelity of the intervention, (2) mechanism of impacts, and (3) contextual factors that may have influenced the outcomes. METHODS: The process evaluation was informed by the Medical Research Council framework, a widely used set of guidelines for evaluating complex interventions. A mix of quantitative (questionnaire and journal records) and qualitative data (field notes, memos, registration forms, questionnaire) was prospectively collected, and retrospective interviews were conducted. We performed descriptive analyses of the quantitative data. Content analyses, assisted by NVivo, were performed to evaluate qualitative data. RESULTS: The nurses who were serving the 24/7 hotline intervention desired to receive more preparation before intervention implementation. SAVR patient participants were highly satisfied with the telephone intervention (58%), felt safe (86%), and trusted having the option of calling in for support (91%). The support for the telephone hotline staff was perceived as a facilitator of the intervention implementation. Content analyses revealed themes: "gap in the care continuum," "need for individualized care," and "need for easy access to health information" after SAVR. Differences in local hospital discharge management practices influenced the 30-DACR incidence. CONCLUSIONS: The prospective follow-up of the hotline service during the trial facilitated implementation of the intervention, contributing to high participant satisfaction and likely reduced their anxiety after SAVR. Perceived less-than-optimal preparations for the hotline could be a barrier to AVRre trial implementation. Integrating user experiences into a mixed-methods evaluation of clinical trials is important for broadening understanding of trial outcomes, the mechanism of impact, and contextual factors that influence clinical trials. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02522663. Registered on 11 August 2015.

How do parents influence their adolescents' use of over-the-counter analgesics: A review of the current literature.

AIM AND OBJECTIVES: Continuous use of over-the-counter analgesics (OTCAs) may prevent adolescents from learning healthier options and might lead to lifelong use of such medicines. It is possible that parents' own use of OTCAs might influence adolescents, but little is known about this issue. Our research questions were; "What are the main factors leading to a high use of OTCAs among adolescents and how can health professionals support these adolescents in their pain management?" BACKGROUND: Frequent consumption of OTCAs may cause health problems such as drug-induced headache and liver failure. Some adolescents frequently use non-prescribed pain medication and their attitudes towards the use of OTCAs vary from responsible to careless. DESIGN: A "systematic search and review" was conducted between March 2017 and May 2018. Quantitative and qualitative studies were included. METHODS: We used the PRISMA Statement checklist, the PRISMA flow diagram and The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme for quality appraisal. Our search identified 3,386 possible sources, 2,043 articles were selected for title examination, and 70 articles underwent abstract review. Fourteen articles were reviewed entirety. Ten articles were of acceptable quality. RESULTS: The importance of parental influence on adolescent use of OTCAs is significant. These findings seem to be independent of country and culture. CONCLUSION: Parents are the most important source of information regarding the use of OTCAs; further, they are the main supplier of the medicine. A broad understanding of human development, health, pain and use of pain medication is needed to develop targeted information and support adolescents with high consumption of non-prescription pain medication. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Information from professionals such as school nurses is important. Professionals must consider the physical, social and psychological aspects influencing the use of OTCAs. Information should be made available to adolescents, parents and society in general.

The association between hope, marital status, depression and persistent pain in men and women following cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac surgery is a major life event, and outcomes after surgery are associated with men's and women's ability to self-manage and cope with their cardiac condition in everyday life. Hope is suggested to impact cardiac health by having a positive effect on how adults cope with and adapt to illness and recommended lifestyle changes. METHODS: We did a secondary analysis of 416 individuals (23% women) undergoing elective coronary artery bypass graft and/or valve surgery between March 2012 and September 2013 enrolled in randomized controlled trial. Hope was assessed using The Herth Hope Index (HHI) at three, six and 12 months following cardiac surgery. Linear mixed model analyses were performed to explore associations after cardiac surgery between hope, marital status, depression, persistent pain, and surgical procedure. RESULTS: For the total sample, no statistically significant difference between global hope scores from 3 to 12 months was observed (ranging from 38.3 ± 5.1 at 3 months to 38.7 ± 5.1 at 12 months), and no differences between men and women were observed at any time points. However, 3 out of 12 individual items on the HHI were associated with significantly lower scores in women: #1) I have a positive outlook toward life, #3) I feel all alone, and #6) I feel scared about my future. Over the study period, diminished hope was associated with older age, lower education, depression prior to surgery, and persistent pain at all measurement points. Isolated valve surgery was positively associated with hope. While neither sex nor marital status, as main effects, demonstrated significant associations with hope, women who were divorced/widowed/single were significantly more likely to have lower hope scores over the study period. CONCLUSION: Addressing pain and depression, and promoting hope, particularly for women living alone may be important targets for interventions to improve outcomes following cardiac surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trials gov Identifier: NCT01976403 . Date of registration: November 28, 2011.

Self-Management of Cardiac Pain in Women: A Meta-Summary of the Qualitative Literature.

Symptom recognition and self-management is instrumental in reducing the number of deaths related to coronary artery disease (CAD) in women. The purpose of this study was to synthesize qualitative research evidence on the self-management of cardiac pain and associated symptoms in women. Seven databases were systematically searched, and the concepts of the Individual and Family Self-Management Theory were used as the framework for data extraction and analysis. Search strategies yielded 22,402 citations, from which 35 qualitative studies were included in a final meta-summary, comprising data from 769 participants, including 437 (57%) women. The available literature focused cardiac pain self-management from a binary sex and gender perspective. Ethnicity was indicated in 19 (54%) studies. Results support individualized intervention strategies that promote goal setting and action planning, management of physical and emotional responses, and social facilitation provided through social support.

Impact of marital status and comorbid disorders on health-related quality of life after cardiac surgery.

PURPOSE: To explore associations between HRQL, marital status, and comorbid disorders in men and women following cardiac surgery. METHOD: A secondary analysis was completed using data from a randomized controlled trial in which 416 individuals (23% women) scheduled for elective coronary artery bypass graft and/or valve surgery were recruited between March 2012 and September 2013. HRQL was assessed using the Health State Descriptive System (15D) preoperatively, then at 2 weeks, and at 3, 6, and 12 months following cardiac surgery. Linear mixed model analyses were performed to explore associations between HRQL, social support, and comorbid disorders. RESULTS: The overall 15D scores for the total sample improved significantly from 2 weeks to 3 months post surgery, with only a gradual change observed from 3 to 12 months. Thirty percent (n = 92) of the total sample reported a lower 15D total score at 12 months compared to preoperative status, of whom 78% (n = 71) had a negative minimum important differences (MID), indicating a worse HRQL status. When adjusted for age and marital status, women had statistically significant lower 15D total scores compared to men at 3, 6, and 12 months post surgery. Compared to pre-surgery, improvement was demonstrated in 4 out of 15 dimensions of HRQL for women, and in 6 out of 15 dimensions for men at 12 months post surgery. Both men and women associated back/neck problems, depression, and persistent pain intensity with lower HRQL; for women, not living with a partner/spouse was associated with lower HRQL up to 12 months. CONCLUSION: Women experienced decreased HRQL and a slower first-year recovery following cardiac surgery compared to men. This study demonstrates a need for follow-up and support to help women manage their symptoms and improve their function within the first year after cardiac surgery. This was particularly pronounced for those women living alone.

Pain experiences of men and women after cardiac surgery.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To compare the prevalence and severity of pain in men and women during the first year following cardiac surgery and to examine the predictors of persistent postoperative pain 12 months post surgery. BACKGROUND: Persistent pain has been documented after cardiac surgery, with limited evidence for differences between men and women. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study of patients in a randomised controlled trial (N = 416, 23% women) following cardiac surgery. METHODS: Secondary data analysis of data collected prior to surgery, across postoperative days 1-4, at two weeks, and at one, three, six and 12 months post surgery. The main outcome was worst pain intensity (Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form). RESULTS: Twenty-nine percent (97/339) of patients reported persistent postoperative pain at rest at 12 months that was worse in intensity and interference for women than for men. For both sexes, a more severe co-morbidity profile, lower education and postoperative pain at rest at one month post surgery were associated with an increased probability for persistent postoperative pain at 12 months. Women with more concerns about communicating pain and a lower intake of analgesics in the hospital had an increased probability of pain at 12 months. CONCLUSION: Sex differences in pain are present up to one year following cardiac surgery. Strategies for sex-targeted pain education and management pre- and post-surgery may lead to better pain outcomes. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: These results suggest that informing patients (particularly women) about the benefits of analgesic use following cardiac surgery may result in less pain over the first year post discharge.

'I need support in becoming the leader I would like to be' - A qualitative descriptive study of nurses newly appointed to positions of leadership.

AIM: The aim of the study was to understand the experiences of nurses who were newly appointed to a position of leadership including facilitators and barriers to success and what they considered important for the development of their role. METHODS: We used a qualitative descriptive research design. The study was conducted in Norway with 10 nurses who had been appointed to a leadership position within the last 2 years. Participants were interviewed with individual qualitative interviews which were transcribed and subsequently analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: The following four main themes were identified from the data: I feel lonely in the leadership position, I am not confident as a leader, I am unsure of the requirements and expectations of me, and I need support and supervision. CONCLUSION: The results underscore the challenges reported by new leaders in nursing and their advocacy for mentorship as a facilitator for success. The qualifications of mentors were emphasised with a need for a comprehensive leadership skill set to address the multifaceted aspects of leadership development.

'Both assistant and specialist': Nurse Anaesthetists' experiences of being relocated during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study.

AIM: The aim of the study was to explore the experiences of nurse anaesthetists being relocated during the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN: The study has a qualitative design. METHODS: A total of 12 nurse anaesthetists from four different hospitals were included. Data were collected using individual semi-structured interviews and then analysed using content analysis. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist was used. RESULTS: The 12 respondents, of whom three were men, were between 46 and 64 years old and had 7 to 30 years of experience as NAs. Two themes emerged in the analysis: (1) 'Diverse experiences' with the sub-themes 'Preparedness' and 'Insecurity' and (2) 'Both assistant and specialist' with the sub-themes 'Exhausting' and 'Meaningful'. CONCLUSION: This study shows that the NAs competencies made them prepared to handle many of the situations. They also experienced situations where they were uncomfortable being pressured to take responsibility. They were regarded as a uniform group without considering their prior experiences. Mapping the personnel's former experiences is required to utilize best possible matching of personnel to assignments and create less stress and insecurity among them.

The Postoperative Pain Assessment Skills pilot trial.

UNLABELLED: BACKGROUND/ OBJECTIVES: Pain-related misbeliefs among health care professionals (HCPs) are common and contribute to ineffective postoperative pain assessment. While standardized patients (SPs) have been effectively used to improve HCPs' assessment skills, not all centres have SP programs. The present equivalence randomized controlled pilot trial examined the efficacy of an alternative simulation method - deteriorating patient-based simulation (DPS) - versus SPs for improving HCPs' pain knowledge and assessment skills. METHODS: Seventy-two HCPs were randomly assigned to a 3 h SP or DPS simulation intervention. Measures were recorded at baseline, immediate postintervention and two months postintervention. The primary outcome was HCPs' pain assessment performance as measured by the postoperative Pain Assessment Skills Tool (PAST). Secondary outcomes included HCPs knowledge of pain-related misbeliefs, and perceived satisfaction and quality of the simulation. These outcomes were measured by the Pain Beliefs Scale (PBS), the Satisfaction with Simulated Learning Scale (SSLS) and the Simulation Design Scale (SDS), respectively. Student's t tests were used to test for overall group differences in postintervention PAST, SSLS and SDS scores. One-way analysis of covariance tested for overall group differences in PBS scores. RESULTS: DPS and SP groups did not differ on post-test PAST, SSLS or SDS scores. Knowledge of pain-related misbeliefs was also similar between groups. CONCLUSIONS: These pilot data suggest that DPS is an effective simulation alternative for HCPs' education on postoperative pain assessment, with improvements in performance and knowledge comparable with SP-based simulation. An equivalence trial to examine the effectiveness of deteriorating patient-based simulation versus standardized patients is warranted.

Nurses' educational needs for pain management of post-cardiac surgery patients: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND AND RESEARCH OBJECTIVE: Inadequate knowledge among health care providers is a key barrier to good pain management, and nurses have a major role to provide education to patients. The purpose of this study was to identify nurses' learning needs to prepare patients for managing pain before and after discharge home from cardiac surgery. The overall aim is to develop a pain education intervention for nurses working with cardiac surgical patients. SUBJECT AND METHODS: This was a focus groups study. Participants (N=22) were asked about their perceptions of patients' education needs for pain management after cardiac surgery and approaches to help nurses meet these needs. The Pain Beliefs Scale was used to capture nurses' own misbeliefs about pain that would need clarification in a successful pain education intervention. RESULTS: Nurses identified pain management challenges in the hospital, particularly related to patients' age, patient concerns about the use of opioids, the need to use multiple management strategies, and preparing patients to manage pain at home. Pain Beliefs Scale scores were low related to opioid dosing and adverse effects. Participants identified their most helpful educational approaches being brief in-services, hands-on learning, lunch-and-learn sessions, and designated education days. CONCLUSION: Participants identified the most common pain knowledge gaps for patients before and after discharge after cardiac surgery. These data will be used to develop an education intervention for nurses to help their cardiac surgery patients with more effective pain management strategies before and after discharge home.

Students' top 10 priorities of research uncertainties on students' sleep: a pragmatic James Lind Alliance approach.

OBJECTIVES: Inspired by the James Lind Alliance (JLA) user involvement approach, the aim of the present study was to identify the top 10 uncertainties for sleep research raised by students in higher education, and to discuss our experiences with adapting the JLA method to a student population. DESIGN: The study design is a pragmatic JLA approach, including a priority setting partnership within the field of sleep, collection of sleep-related research uncertainties as reported by students in higher education, sorting of the uncertainties and a final identification of the top 10 uncertainties through collaborative work between researchers, students, stakeholders and experts in the field. Uncertainties were collected using a one-question online survey: 'as a student, which question(s) do you consider to be important with regards to sleep?'. A variety of approaches were applied to promote the survey to the students, including social media, radio, the university website, stands in university cafeterias and a sleep stunt. NVivo V.12 was used to code and sort the questions. SETTING: A higher education institution in Norway. PARTICIPANTS: 555 students. RESULTS: The data collection provided 608 uncertainties, and the following prioritised top 10: (1) screen time, (2) stress, (3) educational achievements, (4) social relations, (5) mental health, (6) physical activity, (7) indoor environment, (8) substance abuse, (9) shift work and (10) sleep quality. Despite successful data collection, we found sleep to be a broad topic, and defining specific questions throughout the sorting and verification process proved difficult. CONCLUSIONS: We identified the prioritised top 10 research uncertainties as reported by students in higher education, ranking screen time first. However, the process was time and resource consuming. The research uncertainties addressed by the students showed great diversity, characterised by heterogeneity and a lack of specificity, making verification of the uncertainties challenging.

Interference of postoperative pain on women's daily life after early discharge from cardiac surgery.

Women report more postoperative pain and problems performing domestic activities than men in the first month of recovery after cardiac surgery. The purpose of this article is to describe how women rate and describe pain interference with daily life after early discharge from cardiac surgery. A qualitative study was conducted in 2004-2005 with ten women recruited from a large Norwegian university hospital before discharge from their first elective cardiac surgery. Various aspects of the women's postoperative experiences were collected with qualitative interviews in the women's homes 8-14 days after discharge: a self-developed pain diary measuring pain intensity, types and amount of pain medication taken every day after returning home from hospital; and the Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form immediately before the interview. Qualitative content analysis was used to identify recurring themes from the interviews. Data from the questionnaires provided more nuances to the experiences of pain, pain management, and interference of postoperative pain. Postoperative pain interfered most with sleep, general activity, and the ability to perform housework during the first 2 weeks after discharge. Despite being advised at the hospital to take pain medication regularly, few women consumed the maximum amount of analgesics. Early hospital discharge after open cardiac surgery implies increased patient participation in pain management. Women undergoing this surgery need more information in hospital on why postoperative pain management beyond simple pain relief is important.

Impact of telephone follow-up and 24/7 hotline on 30-day readmission rates following aortic valve replacement -A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Thirty-day all-cause readmissions are high after aortic valve replacement (AVR). We aimed to assess the effectiveness of a structured telephone follow-up (TFU) and a 24/7 hotline on reducing 30-day all-cause readmission (30-DACR) after AVR, on reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression and on improving perceived health state. METHODS: A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted. Patients (n = 288) were randomly allocated to either post-discharge usual care or to care that provided TFU and access to a 24/7 hotline after AVR. Ancillary endpoints were time-to-event (readmission), proportion of avoidable versus unavoidable readmissions after AVR, and predictors of 30-DACR after AVR. RESULTS: 30-DACR was 22.3%. The structured TFU and 24/7 hotline intervention failed to reduce 30-DACR rates after AVR (P = 0.274). Symptoms of anxiety were significantly reduced 30 days after surgery (P = 0.031), an effect that did not persist one year after surgery (P = 0.108). Most readmissions occurred before 15 days post-discharge, and 75% of them were deemed to be unavoidable. Pleural drainage before hospital discharge (P = 0.027) and symptoms of anxiety before surgery (P = 0.003) were predictors of 30-DACR after AVR. CONCLUSION: The TFU and 24/7 hotline had no effect on reducing 30-DACR after AVR. However, we did measure reduced symptoms of anxiety the first month after AVR. Anxiety reduction appeared to be an important target for intervention, because we found it to be a risk factor for readmission. Future research should focus on the effectiveness of interventions to prevent avoidable unplanned readmissions. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrial.gov, NCT02522663.

Development and usability testing of HEARTPA♀N: protocol for a mixed methods strategy to develop an integrated smartphone and web-based intervention for women with cardiac pain.

INTRODUCTION: More women experience cardiac pain related to coronary artery disease and cardiac procedures compared with men. The overall goal of this programme of research is to develop an integrated smartphone and web-based intervention (HEARTPA♀N) to help women recognise and self-manage cardiac pain. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This protocol outlines the mixed methods strategy used for the development of the HEARTPA♀N content/core feature set (phase 2A), usability testing (phase 2B) and evaluation with a pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT) (phase 3). We are using the individual and family self-management theory, mobile device functionality and pervasive information architecture of mHealth interventions, and following a sequential phased approach recommended by the Medical Research Council to develop HEARTPA♀N. The phase 3 pilot RCT will enable us to refine the prototype, inform the methodology and calculate the sample size for a larger multisite RCT (phase 4, future work). Patient partners have been actively involved in setting the HEARTPA♀N research agenda, including defining patient-reported outcome measures for the pilot RCT: pain and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). As such, the guidelines for Inclusion of Patient-Reported Outcomes in Clinical Trial Protocols (SPIRIT-PRO) are used to report the protocol for the pilot RCT (phase 3). Quantitative data (eg, demographic and clinical information) will be summarised using descriptive statistics (phases 2AB and 3) and a content analysis will be used to identify themes (phase 2AB). A process evaluation will be used to assess the feasibility of the implementation of the intervention and a preliminary efficacy evaluation will be undertaken focusing on the outcomes of pain and HRQoL (phase 3). ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethics approval was obtained from the University of Toronto (36415; 26 November 2018). We will disseminate knowledge of HEARTPA♀N through publication, conference presentation and national public forums (Café Scientifique), and through fact sheets, tweets and webinars. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT03800082.

Nursing pain management--a qualitative interview study of patients with pain, hospitalized for cancer treatment.

Pain is a significant symptom in cancer patients. Understanding of patients' experiences in relation to pain management is important in evidence-based nursing in the field of pain. The aim of this study was to explore cancer patients' experiences of nursing pain management during hospitalization for cancer treatment. Eighteen cancer patients participated in the study, all with advanced cancer, including skeleton metastases. The female participants all had breast cancer, and the male participants all had prostate cancer. Data were collected by in-depth interviews, and qualitative description was used to entail low-inference interpretation to reach an understanding of the essence of pain and nursing pain management. Patients found it somewhat difficult to express their expectations of nursing pain management and competencies. However, 1) being present and supportive; 2) giving information and sharing knowledge; 3) taking care of medication; and 4) recognizing the pain emerged as themes in nursing pain management. Although patients believed that nurses were caring persons, they perceived differences between nurses in the ways they handled pain management. Furthermore, some patients experienced a lack of information from nurses in relation to pain management. Although cancer patients' experiences showed the importance of nurses in pain management, it seems that nurses should have a clearer role in cancer pain management in relation to counseling and patient education. The results from this study can increase nurses' awareness of their role in pain management as a first step in improving pain management for patients.

Postoperative pain and self-management: women's experiences after cardiac surgery.

AIM: This paper is a report of a study to describe women's experiences and their self-management of postoperative pain after elective cardiac surgery. BACKGROUND: Cardiac surgery involves several pain-sensitive areas, and untreated postoperative pain may lead to chronic pain. Early discharge requires increased patient participation in pain management. Women report more postoperative pain than men after cardiac surgery. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted in 2004-2005 with 10 women 1-2 weeks after discharge from their first elective cardiac surgery. Qualitative content analysis was used to identify recurring themes. Pain diaries were used to record postoperative pain experiences 1-2 weeks before the interviews, providing more nuances to the experiences of pain and pain management. FINDINGS: Postoperative pain experiences varied from no pain to pain all the time. Worst pain intensity was recorded as moderate or more. Pain experiences depended on what women's expectations of pain after cardiac surgery. None wanted to complain about their painful experiences. The women had needed for more individualized information about self-management of pain, and had difficulties remembering the information they had received. Most did not want to use pain medication, or waited to do so until pain was unbearable. CONCLUSION: Patients need more individualized and gender-specific information before early discharge from cardiac surgery to improve self-management. More specific predischarge education on self-management using analgesics regularly might prevent pain ratings rising to a severe level after discharge home.

Women's descriptions of postoperative pain and pain management after discharge from cardiac surgery.

AIM AND OBJECTIVES: To provide new insights into the postoperative pain experiences of women after coming home following cardiac surgery. BACKGROUND: Studies show that many patients experience postoperative wound discomfort after cardiac surgery and women experience more pain than men before discharge. Male experiences have shaped the accepted biomedical theories on how cardiac surgery influences the lives of women. This has led to more cardiac studies with only female respondents in the past 10 years, but few focus on pain and pain management after early discharge. METHODS: The study reported here is part of a larger qualitative descriptive study. A self-developed pain diary measured pain intensity, types and amount of pain medication and its effectiveness at bedtime every day after returning home from hospital. The Brief Pain Inventory - Short Form provided a basis for comparison with the pain scores rated in the diaries from the final sample of nine women. Semi-structured interviews gave illuminating statements. RESULTS: The women had pain in the chest almost every day the first two weeks at home and this was expected. The pain in their neck, shoulders and back was unexpected and this pain worried them more. The women wanted to take as little medication as possible. Regular intake of pain medication resulted in more even pain scores, but not necessarily lower pain scores. CONCLUSIONS: The study adds new insights into how women experience postoperative pain upon returning home. Findings indicate that the women did not follow the recommended pain medication despite reporting worst pain as moderate or more during the whole period. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Early discharge from hospitals gives patients more responsibility for taking care of themselves. Patients need more specific information about taking pain medication on a specified schedule to control pain.

Patients' key experiences after coronary artery bypass grafting: a synthesis of qualitative studies.

For patients 40 years and over, ischemic coronary heart diseases are the most common reasons for admittance in European and North American hospitals. Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) has proved to be the most effective treatment for ischemic coronary heart diseases when other treatments are ineffective. The aim of this article was through a synthesis to integrate and explore qualitative studies regarding patients' post-CABG experiences. Electronic searches were carried out in four databases using search terms for CABG combined with key search terms associated with qualitative research. Nineteen of 45 qualitative studies identified met the inclusion criteria. The included studies were appraised by a reading guide. Relevant findings where subsequently thematically analyzed in line with principles in qualitative descriptive research. The following key concepts described patients' experiences after CABG: The paradox of surviving alone with supportive relations, sense of self-disrupted, losses, fears and getting on with life. Thus, the synthesis revealed that patients' postoperative experiences influence their existential aspects of lifelong after surgery. Surprisingly, few studies treated suffering from postoperative pain as a specific topic. This underlines the need for more qualitative research exploring specific postsurgical experiences such as postoperative pain.

Association between self-perceived pain sensitivity and pain intensity after cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Cardiac surgical pain remains a clinical challenge affecting about 40% of individuals in the first six months post-cardiac surgery, and continues up to two years after surgery for about 15-20%. Self-perceived sensitivity to pain may help to identify individuals at risk for persistent cardiac surgical pain to optimize health care responses. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between self-perceived pain sensitivity assessed by the Pain Sensitivity Questionnaire (PSQ) and postoperative worst pain intensity up to 12 months after cardiac surgery. Sex differences in baseline characteristics and the PSQ scores were also assessed. METHODS: This study was performed among 416 individuals (23% women) scheduled for elective coronary artery bypass graft and/or valve surgery between March 2012 and September 2013. A secondary data-analysis was utilized to explore the relationship between preoperative PSQ scores and worst pain intensity rated preoperatively, across postoperative Days 1-4, at 2 weeks, and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months post-surgery. Linear mixed model analyses were performed to estimate changes in pain intensity during 1-year follow-up. RESULTS: The mean (±standard deviation) PSQ-total score was 3.3±1.4, with similar scores in men and women. The PSQ-total score was significantly associated with higher worst pain intensity ratings adjusted for participant characteristics (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: Use of the PSQ before surgery may predict cardiac surgical pain intensity. However, previous evidence is limited and not consistent, and more research is needed to substantiate our results.

Thirty-day readmissions in surgical and transcatheter aortic valve replacement: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The 30-day all-cause readmission rate after surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) and transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) vary substantially. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the overall incidence, causes, and risk factors of 30-day all-cause readmission rate after SAVR and TAVR. METHODS: Eight medical research databases were searched; Cochrane, Medline, Embase, UpToDate, PROSPERO, National Guideline Clearinghouse, SweMed and Oria. We followed The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) for this study. RESULTS: Thirty-three articles were included in the systematic review, 32 of which were appropriate for the meta-analysis. Overall, 17% (95% CI: 16-18%) of patients in the SAVR group, and 16% (95% CI: 15-18%) in the TAVR groups were readmitted within 30 days. Heart failure, arrhythmia, infection, and respiratory problems were the most frequent causes of all-cause readmission after SAVR and TAVR. Most frequent reported prior risk factors for all-cause readmission following TAVR were diabetes, chronic lung disease/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, atrial fibrillation, kidney problems, and transapical approach/nonfemoral access. For SAVR, no risk factors for 30-day all-cause readmission were reported in the literature to date. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the overall proportion of 30-day all-cause readmission after SAVR and TAVR are high. Interventions to prevent avoidable readmissions ought to be developed and implemented.