Article

The purpose of this study was to examine health-related quality-of-life
(HRQOL) outcomes in coronary artery bypass surgery (CABS) patients and partners
enrolled together in cardiac rehabilitation versus a usual care group. METHODS:
After CABS, couples were randomly assigned to the Partners Together in Health
(PaTH) intervention (n = 17) or usual care (n = 17) groups. Health-related
quality-of-life was operationalized as physical function (SF-36 Physical
Functioning subscale), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire), and marital
adjustment (Dyadic Adjustment Scale). Data were measured in patients and partners
at the start (T1) and end of cardiac rehabilitation (T2), and 3 months after
cardiac rehabilitation (T3). Nonparametric statistics were used to examine
changes over time and differences between groups. RESULTS: Patients in both
groups, and partners in the PaTH group, significantly improved physical function
between T1 and T2. At T1, 18% of patients and 6% of partners were depressed. At
T2 and T3, only 3% of patients and no partners were depressed. Almost 12% of
patients and partners were maritally distressed at T1. At T2 and T3, patients'
marital distress was unchanged, but more partners reported marital distress
(15%). CONCLUSIONS: This study adds to our understanding of the trajectory of
HRQOL outcomes after CABS for patients and partners. These findings demonstrated
promise for the PaTH intervention. Future testing of the intervention is
warranted in a larger sample. Because patients and partners are impacted by CABS
as a shared life experience, couple-centered interventions may improve HRQOL
outcomes more than individually focused interventions.

Langue : ANGLAIS

Tiré à part : OUI