Needs of older persons undergoing cardiac surgery: Exploring the perceptions of nurses, patients waiting for and patients having had surgery

Aims: The purpose of this research was to identify the needs of older persons waiting for elective open-heart surgery. Design: A qualitative exploratory design methodology, using Focus Groups. Methods: A purposive sampling technique was used. Three interviews were conducted with experienced nurses, individuals waiting for open-heart surgery (>= 65years) and individuals having had open-heart surgery (>= 65years); enrolling up to 17 participants from October 2019 to January 2020. Qualitative data analysis was conducted using the iteractive model and MaxQDA (R) software, and EQUATOR COREQ guidelines were followed. Results: Three themes were identified from the analysis of all three Focus Groups: (i) Needing health information; (ii) Needing emotional support; and (iii) Needing access to care.