Assessment of postdischarge concerns of coronary artery bypass graft patients

Cardiac surgery patients are currently being discharged from hospitals earlier than ever before. Problems experienced by these patients after discharge are less well documented in the literature than are predischarge problems. Understanding the nature of patients' concerns about their recovery at home can help clinicians plan interventions to alleviate those concerns. This study documents the nature of patients' concerns after discharge home. Data were collected over a 3-year period using a 24-hour telephone contact system. Of 356 coronary artery bypass graft surgery patients discharged, 196 made 392 telephone calls regarding 445 concerns. These concerns were recorded systematically and analyzed for patterns of commonality. Patients' primary concerns were related to leg incision healing, pain, leg swelling, and medications. Recommendations for discharge planning are discussed.