Information inför hjärtoperation

: hur upplever patienten situationen?

Abstract

Background: Cardiac surgery is carried out worldwide. The genetic factor and today’s welfare society has resulted in an increase in the number of episodes. Studies have shown that people with heart disease experience increased anxiety in everyday activities. The information given to patients therefore becomes highly important. Purpose: Highlight the patients' experiences of information prior to planned cardiac surgery. Method: Literature review. Results: Four categories was revealed: emotional impact, need of information, responsiveness and manageability and participation. Studies showed that information decreased anxiety and increased the level of satisfaction. Additional information was requested by patients who had received routine information. Other studies showed that the level of information had no effect on the patient’s anxiety and in other cases increased the anxiety. The timing of when the information was given had a large impact on how patients experienced the preoperative period. Discussion: Three categories were developed; positive impact, information requirements and negative impact. The information was important and led to a better outcome. Patients' information requirements are bigger today than in the past. A lack of information led to feelings of anxiety, fear and uncertainty. Conclusion: Information has both positive and negative impact on the patients’ experiences prior to surgery.