A randomized controlled study on the effectiveness of discharge training in patients following cardiac surgery

Design: A randomized controlled trial.

Methods: Patients undergoing cardiac surgery (n = 66) were randomly assigned to either control or discharge training groups. Patients received training from the first day they were hospitalized until the day they were discharged. The self-efficacy scores and post-discharge problems were assessed prior to the surgery, at 10 days and 30 days post-discharge.

Results: Concerning self-efficacy scores, no statistically significant difference was noted between the two groups (group: F = 1.856; p = 0.178). A statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of kinetophobia, fatigue, and edema in the legs at 10 days and 30 days of post-discharge (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: These study findings have shown that both groups experience at least one post-discharge problem and these problems gradually decrease at 4 weeks of post-discharge. It is recommended to set up units in hospitals that can systematically give discharge training and home care services to patients and their families.