Using information and communication technology in the recovery after a coronary artery bypass graft surgery: patients’ attitudes

BACKGROUND: Patients who have undergone a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery are exposed to physical and mental problems after discharge from the specialist hospital and are often in need of post-discharge support and follow-up. AIM: This study aimed to explore the attitudes of CABG patients toward using information and communication technology (ICT) during the first year of recovery after discharge from hospital. METHODS: A cross-sectional design utilizing an electronic survey was employed. The sample consisted of 197 patients who had undergone a CABG surgery during 2015. The questionnaire included questions about follow-up needs, contacts with health professionals, use of the Internet, and attitudes toward using ICT in the recovery phase. RESULTS: Mean age of the participants was 67.3 years; 18.3% were women. A total of 48.2% of the patient group was satisfied with the pre-discharge information. Only 27% had contacted the hospital after discharge. Whereas 58.4% of the participants had used the Internet to acquire information, only 30.4% found this information to be useful. Many patients (40%) reported that they could benefit from online health information and Skype meetings with professionals. More than 30% reported that nutritional guidance on the Internet could be motivating for choosing healthy diets, and 42.6% reported that Internet-based illustrative videotapes could be motivating for undertaking physical training. CONCLUSION: ICT can be useful and resource-saving for patients who have undergone a CABG surgery, as well as for the health care services. The technology must be appropriately tailored, with regard to content and design, to be helpful for patients.