The Experience of Stress for Open Heart Surgery Patients and Their Caregivers
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
10-2010
Abstract
The purpose of this research was to understand the modern experience of stress among adult coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) patients who are hospitalized less than 10 days and among their significant caregivers. The naming of stressors and the nature and triggers for the stress response that either contributed to or ameliorated stress were examined. A qualitative research method using hermeneutic phenomenology was used to interpret and understand the experience of stress. The stressors identified by both patient and family participants in this study were shock and disbelief leading to a feeling of being overwhelmed. Among patients, mortality was foremost. Among family caregivers, anger was expressed. The importance of providing information, honesty, and trust were pivotal to alleviating stress. A more thorough knowledge of history and complementary therapies are needed to reduce stress.
Journal Title
Western Journal of Nursing Research
Journal ISSN
0193-9459
Volume
32
Issue
6
First Page
794
Last Page
813
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
10.1177/0193945910361469