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Women's experiences of undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery

Banner, Davina; Miers, Margaret; Clarke, Brenda; Albarran, John

Authors

Davina Banner

Margaret Miers

Brenda Clarke

John Albarran



Abstract

Aim. This paper is a report of a study of women's experiences of coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Background. Worldwide, coronary heart disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality. It has traditionally been viewed as primarily affecting men. However, a growing body of literature exploring gender differences in this area is challenging accepted beliefs, particularly in relation to outcomes. Despite this, awareness of how women interpret and respond to the experiences of cardiac surgery remains limited. Methods. At regional cardiothoracic centres in England and Wales, during 2003 to 2006, data were collected from 30 women preoperatively and at 6weeks and 6 months postoperatively using semi-structured interviews. A constructivist grounded theory approach was adopted and data were analysed using extensive coding and constant comparison techniques. Results. A substantive theory of the public-private dialogue of normality emerged demonstrating that participants faced lifestyle disruptions as they attempted to privately normalize and integrates limitations, while minimizing a public display of illness. During the preoperative period, participants experienced difficulties recognizing and acting on symptoms and endured physical and emotional distress while waiting for surgery. Following surgery, women experienced functional limitations which forced them to relinquish normal activities and roles. As recovery progressed, women came to accept their changed health status and renegotiated state of normality. Conclusion. The findings increase understanding about the adjustments which women undergoing cardiac surgery make as part of living with a long-term condition and support the need to develop innovative gender-sensitive health education and services. © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Citation

Banner, D., Miers, M., Clarke, B., & Albarran, J. (2012). Women's experiences of undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 68(4), 919-930. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2648.2011.05799.x

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date Apr 1, 2012
Journal Journal of Advanced Nursing
Print ISSN 0309-2402
Electronic ISSN 1365-2648
Publisher Wiley
Peer Reviewed Not Peer Reviewed
Volume 68
Issue 4
Pages 919-930
DOI https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2648.2011.05799.x
Keywords cardiovascular disease, coronary artery bypass graft surgery, grounded theory, normality, nursing, research report, women
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/948327
Publisher URL http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2648.2011.05799.x
Additional Information Additional Information : Article first published online: 11 AUG 2011