The Impact of a Nurse-Led Cardiac Rehabilitation Program on Knowledge, Medication Adherence, and Quality of Life in Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) patients require comprehensive education and support to achieve optimal rehabilitation outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a nurse-led cardiac rehabilitation program (NLCRP) on knowledge, medication adherence, and quality of life (QoL) in CABG patients. Materials and Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted among 120 CABG patients at a tertiary care hospital in New Delhi, India. Participants were assigned to an experimental group (EG), being part of an NLCRP, or a control group (CG) receiving routine care. The NLCRP spanned 7 days and included education, counseling, demonstrations, and motivational follow-up calls. Knowledge, medication adherence, and QoL were assessed at baseline and multiple post-intervention timepoints using validated tools. Results: The EG demonstrated substantial improvements in mean knowledge scores, from 10.32 ± 3.69 at baseline to 39.92 ± 0.28 at day 75, compared to the CG (11.00 ± 2.27 to 19.80 ± 4.92). Medication adherence increased significantly in the EG (2.05 ± 1.17 to 3.88 ± 0.32), but decreased in the CG (2.28 ± 1.01 to 1.97 ± 0.61). QoL scores increased markedly in the EG (40.63 ± 7.13 to 84.13 ± 5.66) compared to the CG (41.62 ± 9.69 to 55.20 ± 8.44). Strong positive correlations were found between knowledge, medication adherence, and QoL post-intervention. Reductions in lipid profile, blood pressure, body weight, and BMI were also noted in the EG. Conclusions: The NLCRP effectively enhanced knowledge, medication adherence, and QoL in CABG patients. Tailored education, counseling, and motivational support delivered by nurses can optimize rehabilitation outcomes. These findings support the implementation of NLCRP as part of standard CABG care.