Self-management resources following coronary artery bypass graft

Introduction: Self-management is a dynamic process in which individuals actively manage their chronic illness. The purpose of this article was to outline self-management resources used by patients following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. The choosing of self-management resources by individuals is a personal process which differs based on the individual’s background. Although factors effective on self-management have been determined in previous studies, the self-management resources used by patients after CABG have been overlooked. Method: A qualitative approach based on content analysis was used in this study. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews conducted at a cardiac rehabilitation center in Kerman, Iran. Participants comprised ۲۵ patients, ۳ nurses, ۴ cardiac specialists, and ۷ family members. Results: Through data analysis, ۸ categories in ۳ major themes were extracted. The major themes comprised the basis for patients&#۳۹; self-management resources following CABG intervention. In the first theme, "regaining mental strength", the categories of "Meaning making", "Positive thinking", and "Focus on capability" were identified. The ۲ categories of "Thanking God" and "Religious help" caused the formation of the theme "sustaining spiritual-self". In the third theme, "social support", the ۳ categories of "Seeking family support", "Contact with peers", and "Seeking health care providers&#۳۹; support" were identified. Conclusion: According to the findings, participants themselves activate psychological, spiritual, and social resources to manage their illness. However, resource activation should be carried out with the support of and through a mutual relationship with health care providers.

Keywords:

Self-management , Chronic Illness , Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery , Qualitative study