Recovery after coronary artery bypass grafting: patients' and health professionals' views of the hospital experience.

Background: Increasing access to revascularisation procedures is a key aspect of a National Service Framework. Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is effective in relieving symptoms and reducing mortality but some patients do not report an improved quality of life or experience a good recovery.

Aims: To describe the recovery trajectory after CABG and identify facilitators and barriers to recovery.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 patients who had previously undergone elective, isolated, first-time CABG and with 10 health professionals experienced in caring for these patients.

Results: Thematic analysis identified the following themes: definition and timeline of recovery, preparation for surgery including information provision, attitude to surgery and confidence in staff, clinical factors and the in-patient experience. The key finding is the different recovery trajectory between patients with severe versus mild pre-operative symptoms; patients with few pre-CABG symptoms reported a much longer recovery time.

Conclusions: This study has provided insights into the barriers and facilitators to recovery after CABG and the processes involved. Findings have indicated areas where health professionals can intervene to aid patients' long-term recovery and thereby maximise the benefits of CABG.