Impact of a Modified Discharge Program on Health-related Quality of Life Following Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Introduction The patients of post-operative coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) often face complications impacting their health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Effective discharge planning can facilitate recovery and improve HRQOL. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a modified re-engineered discharge program on the HRQOL in patients 30 days after Coronary Artery Bypass Graft surgery. Methods A posttest-only randomized clinical trial with 104 CABG patients compared a modified project Re-Engineered Discharge (RED) program to standard procedures. The intervention group received specialized training, while the control group followed routine care. HRQOL was assessed 30 days post-discharge using the SF-36 scale. Chi-square and independent t-tests were used to perform statistical tests. Results Of 104 participants, 55 in the intervention and 49 in the control group completed the study. No statistically significant differences were found in overall HRQOL scores (M (SD) =49.93 (14.00) vs . M (SD) 47 (11.85) P =.272) or in subscales, such as physical functioning ( P =.818), emotional health ( P =.155), and pain ( P =.839). Minor, non-significant subscale improvements were noted in the intervention group. Routine care and pain may have impacted program effectiveness. Conclusion The study emphasizes the complexities of embedding structured discharge programs within standard care, offering valuable insights into limitations in post-operative cardiac care. Clinical Trial Registration No. NCT04527822