Knowledge gaps among patients with heart diseases in the perioperative context of cardiac surgery: a scoping review

BACKGROUND: Cardiac surgery is an effective treatment for cardiovascular diseases but is associated with significant risks. Limited patient knowledge during the perioperative period may negatively affect outcomes. AIM: To map the knowledge gaps among patients with heart diseases in the perioperative context of cardiac surgery. DESIGN: Scoping review developed based on the guidelines of the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews checklist (PRISMA-ScR). DATA SOURCES: Evidence selection was conducted between August and September 2025 through searches in the MEDLINE, CINAHL, BDENF, Web of Science, Scopus, LILACS, CAPES Theses and Dissertations Portal, Theses Canada, RCAAP, BDTD, and Trove. METHODS: The inclusion criteria comprised studies in Portuguese, English, and Spanish involving individuals aged 18 years or older, with no time restriction, addressing patients' knowledge about their health condition in the perioperative period of cardiac surgery. Studies unavailable in full text, restricted-access documents, and opinion articles were excluded. Data extraction was based on predefined variables, and the information was analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Six studies were included in the final sample, predominantly journal articles with a quantitative approach, originating from Brazil, published in Portuguese, and covering the period from 2012 to 2024. Patients' knowledge was found to be deficient mainly regarding the risks and potential complications of cardiac surgery, how the surgical procedure is performed, the specific type of cardiac surgery to be undertaken, the possibility of engaging in physical activity after surgery, and care related to the surgical wound. CONCLUSION: Patients' knowledge presents gaps in several aspects related to the perioperative period of cardiac surgery, and that health education interventions are essential to address this issue. IMPACT STATEMENT: This scoping review identifies critical knowledge gaps among cardiac surgery patients in the perioperative period, underscoring the need for targeted nursing-led health education to improve patient safety, recovery, and evidence-based cardiovascular care.