Preoperative patients' perceptions of cardiac surgery

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the preoperative patients' perceptions of the heart surgery procedure. It is a descriptive research with a qualitative approach carried out with eleven patients in cardiac surgery preoperative period at a public university hospital in the south of Brazil. Data were collected from January to March, 2011 through semi-structured interviews analysed by content analysis. The analysis revealed feelings of ambiguity characterized by anxiety and apparent tranquillity. Data revealed also that the research subjects perceive the surgery as an unavoidable confrontation with the possibility of death. Spirituality was their main support. The study demonstrated their lack of knowledge about the surgical procedure and the importance of preoperative information. The research data evidenced the cardiac patient faces many feelings during the health-illness process, specially the fear of death. Lack of knowledge about the surgical procedure and recovery are aspects that hinder the patients' adherence to rehabilitation. Nursing guidance during preoperative is essential in order to engage the patient participation in self-care procedures.