Cardiac Surgery Aftercare and Recovery Evaluation (CARE) - Understanding Patients' and Carers' Views About the Care Received After Leaving Hospital Following Cardiac Surgery: a Qualitative Study

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are exploring the care provided to patients after cardiac surgery and what patients and healthcare staff believe should be offered to prevent hospital readmissions. The study focuses on understanding why about 1 in 5 patients return to the hospital within a year after heart surgery. This observational study aims to prepare for identifying the best ways to improve care after hospital discharge for these patients. This research involves patients who have had elective or urgent cardiac surgeries such as coronary artery bypass graft, heart valve surgery, or thoracic aorta surgery within the last 12 months, as well as their family members or carers. It includes those no longer followed up by their cardiac surgeon. The study gathers views to understand current aftercare and desired care following hospital discharge. Participants will share their experiences and opinions through interviews or discussions during the study period. Researchers will evaluate the types of aftercare received and what patients want after leaving the hospital. The main outcome measure is to learn about the aftercare patients currently receive and what kind of support they would prefer. The study is sponsored by University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust and is scheduled to run through March 2027.

CARE Qualitative Study