Davina Banner BN (Hons) PhD RN Assistant Professor School of Nursing, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, Canada Margaret Miers PhD RN PGCert(HE) Professor of Nursing and Social Science Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of England, Bristol, UK Brenda Clarke MN PhD RGN Senior Lecturer Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of England, Bristol, UK John Albarran RN DPhil NFESC Reader in Cardiovascular Critical Care Nursing Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of England, Bristol, UK.
banner d., miers m., clarke b. & albarran j. (2011) Women's experiences of undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Journal of Advanced Nursing. ABSTRACT: Aim. This paper is a report of a study of women's experiences of coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Background. Worldwide, coronary heart disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality. It has traditionally been viewed as primarily affecting men. However, a growing body of literature exploring gender differences in this area is challenging accepted beliefs, particularly in relation to outcomes. Despite this, awareness of how women interpret and respond to the experiences of cardiac surgery remains limited. Methods. At regional cardiothoracic centres in England and Wales, during 2003 to 2006, data were collected from 30 women preoperatively and at 6 weeks and 6 months postoperatively using semi-structured interviews. A constructivist grounded theory approach was adopted and data were analysed using extensive coding and constant comparison techniques. Results. A substantive theory of the public-private dialogue of normality emerged demonstrating that participants faced lifestyle disruptions as they attempted to privately normalize and integrates limitations, while minimizing a public display of illness. During the preoperative period, participants experienced difficulties recognizing and acting on symptoms and endured physical and emotional distress while waiting for surgery. Following surgery, women experienced functional limitations which forced them to relinquish normal activities and roles. As recovery progressed, women came to accept their changed health status and renegotiated state of normality. Conclusion. The findings increase understanding about the adjustments which women undergoing cardiac surgery make as part of living with a long-term condition and support the need to develop innovative gender-sensitive health education and services.