Facilitators and barriers to acceptance of coronary artery bypass graft surgery: a qualitative study

TL;DR

This study explores what influences Iranian patients to accept or avoid heart surgery, focusing on trust, social support, and cultural factors.

Contribution

The study identifies specific facilitators and barriers to CABG surgery acceptance in Iran, emphasizing cultural and psychological influences.

Findings

Trust in healthcare providers and social support were key facilitators for CABG acceptance.

Fear of surgical outcomes and preference for major city hospitals were significant barriers.

Culturally sensitive counseling and communication improved patient decision-making.

Abstract

To elucidate facilitators and barriers shaping Iranian patients’ decisions to accept or avoid coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, focusing on psychological, social, and cultural influences.

This 2024 qualitative study used conventional content analysis with purposive sampling at Bushehr Heart Hospital, Iran. Twenty-four semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 participants (11 patients, 2 family members, 2 nurses, 3 physicians). Data were analyzed inductively using MAXQDA20 software.

Eight categories emerged from 24 subcategories. Facilitators of CABG acceptance included Trust in Healthcare Providers, Treatment Transparency, and Infrastructure; Social and Family Support; Access to Information and Specialist Medical Consultation; Learning from Others’ Experiences; and Psychological and Spiritual Coping. Barriers included Fear of Surgical Outcomes; Preference for Major City Hospitals; and Professional Challenges. Trust, strong social support, and positive peer experiences fostered acceptance, while fears, preference for major city hospitals, and professional challenges posed barriers.

Clear communication, social support, and culturally sensitive counseling enhance CABG acceptance. These insights, grounded in Iran’s context, inform global strategies to optimize patient decision-making and postoperative outcomes.