Barriers to Successful Discharge After Cardiac Surgery: A Focus Group Study and Cross-Sectional Survey

At present, there is a lack of information on patient and caregiver values, and perceived priorities and barriers, to guide successful post-discharge recovery. This was a single centre, multiple methods study that investigated patient, caregiver, and healthcare provider perceptions of the discharge process after cardiac surgery. Themes emerging from focus group discussions with patients and caregivers were used to develop surveys relating to values, barriers, and challenges relating to the discharge process. Thirty-two patients (n = 16) and caregivers (n = 16) participated in four separate focus groups. Four themes emerged from these discussions: (i) a lack of understanding about what the discharge process entails and when discharge is appropriate, (ii) issues relating to the information provided to patients at the time of discharge, (iii) participant experiences with the health care system, and (iv) the experiences of caregivers. Seventy-eight patients, 34 caregivers, 53 nurses/other allied health professionals, and 8 surgeons completed the cross-sectional surveys. The most important component of the discharge process for patients and caregivers was "knowing what to do in an emergency." Healthcare providers less accurately identified what caregivers perceived as the most important aspects of the discharge process. Statements relating to informational barriers to discharge were the most discordant among patient and caregiver respondents. After discharge, patients and caregivers identified the need for longer-term follow up with the surgeon and more support in the community. Incorporation of patient and caregiver values to guide the post-cardiac surgery discharge process is essential to promote successful recovery.