Search

Formation of abnormal scars is a significant source of morbidity following sternotomy. We undertook a descriptive exploratory mixed methods study of women (n=13) who participated in the Women's Recovery from Sternotomy Trial to examine the: (1) qualitative impact of the cosmetic result of sternotomy, and (2) quantitative association between subjective satisfaction and objective ratings of the sternal scar. Conventional content analysis was used to analyze the data generated from semi-structured interviews. Though the participants appreciated that having the scar was a cost of reaping the benefits of having cardiac surgery, they were not well prepared to learn to live with the scar. The scar was a poignant personal reminder that they had a health problem and underwent a distressing surgery, and it often rendered them feeling less attractive. The scar also had a public presence that they perceived rendered judgment from others. There was little association between the participants' subjective satisfaction (rated on a likert-type scale) and the objective scar rating using the Beausang Clinical Scar Assessment (r=0.348, p=0.294). The subjective perception of the sternal scar is of importance to women. Thus, appropriate preparation, post-operative counseling and support regarding the sternal scar are warranted.

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of mortality and premature death in western societies. Thus, rates of interventions such as coronary artery bypass surgery are continuing to grow. Health care reform and initiatives to reduce health care expenditures have resulted in early patient discharge from hospital following cardiac surgery. With subsequent cutbacks in nursing support and community-based care, patients are leaving hospital less prepared and supported to deal with the changes that occur during the first weeks of recovery.To examine the theoretical assumptions that support the contention that peer support is an under-utilized resource for patients who are recovering from cardiac surgery and the challenges to evaluating peer support interventions.A review of current literature, which focuses on cardiac surgery recovery, transitions, social support, and peer support interventions.Peer support (lay assistance from individuals who possess experiential knowledge and similar characteristics), a form of social support, is a viable and potentially sustainable mechanism to put in place during transitional life events such as recovery from cardiac surgery.Further investigation is needed of peer support interventions for cardiac surgery patients. Specifically, investigations of the influence of peer support interventions on recovery and health outcomes are necessary in this patient population. Yet, challenges exist to undertaking well-designed investigations of social interventions such as peer support.