title: Health related quality of life and the support needs of carers of cardiac surgical patients: an exploratory study.
abstract: In this descriptive, repeated-measures study, we assessed changes in Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQL) of cardiac surgical patients' caregivers over time and their need for support. Ninety-six primary carers of cardiac patients who had received elective surgery at one tertiary referral hospital were recruited. The majority were female spouses of patients who had undergone bypass and/or cardiac valve surgery. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire that included the SF-36v2 quality of life health survey and asked about their need for support 6 weeks and 6 months following patient discharge. Carers reported a significant improvement in five out of eight HRQL dimensions (Physical functioning, Physical role, Vitality, Social functioning, Role-emotional) over the study period (P < 0.05). Those who completed the survey at 6 weeks but not 6 months reported higher scores across all dimensions. Carers' need for support need was higher at 6 weeks than 6 months.
authors.affiliation: Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia.
authors.forename: Rosemary
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Robinson
authors.forename: Tony
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Barnett
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000451:nursing* / Q000601:surgery; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult