Experiences of low educated cardiac surgery patients with the nursing intervention PREDOCS: a qualitative study

Abstract

Title: Experiences of low educated cardiac surgery patients with the nursing intervention PREDOCS: a qualitative study

Background: Health literacy (HL) is becoming more important, as people are challenged to make healthy decisions. Limited HL is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and is more prevalent in older patients. The nursing intervention PREvention Decline in Older Cardiac Surgery patients (PREDOCS) is developed to reduce the risk of postoperative complications. This intervention asks for specific health behaviours, which could be difficult for patients with limited HL.

Aim: To explore experiences of low educated cardiac surgery patients, aged ≥65 years, with the nursing intervention PREDOCS.

Method: A descriptive qualitative design following the grounded theory principles was used. Low educated cardiac surgery patients who received PREDOCS were recruited for semi-structured interviews. The interview guide was developed by operationalising experiences with PREDOCS in topics based on PREDOCS itself and literature about effective ways to reach patients with limited HL, and by using audio recordings of PREDOCS in low educated patients. Data were analysed following the coding steps of the grounded theory approach.

Results: Twelve patients were interviewed. Five themes emerged from the data: attitude of the patient, understanding the importance of PREDOCS, execution of received advice from PREDOCS by the patient, role of family, and execution of PREDOCS by the nurse.

Conclusion: Experiences of low educated cardiac surgery patients with the nursing intervention PREDOCS are positive. The attitude of patients towards getting information and the role of family is important for the recall of PREDOCS and execution of received advice. The given information in PREDOCS was sufficient and understandable. Recommendations Emphasize the importance of PREDOCS and received advice and clarify the important role of family to both low educated patients and their family.