Self-management resources following coronary artery bypass graft

Self-management is a dynamic process in which individuals actively manage their chronic illness. The purpose of this article was to outline self-management resources used by patients following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. The choosing of self-management resources by individuals is a personal process which differs based on the individual’s background. Although factors effective on self-management have been determined in previous studies, the self-management resources used by patients after CABG have been overlooked. A qualitative approach based on content analysis was used in this study. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews conducted at a cardiac rehabilitation center in Kerman, Iran. Participants comprised 25 patients, 3 nurses, 4 cardiac specialists, and 7 family members. Through data analysis, 8 categories in 3 major themes were extracted. The major themes comprised the basis for patient's self-management resources following CABG intervention. In the first theme, "regaining mental strength", the categories of "Meaning making", "Positive thinking", and "Focus on capability" were identified. The 2 categories of "Thanking God" and "Religious help" caused the formation of the theme "sustaining spiritual-self". In the third theme, "social support", the 3 categories of "Seeking family support", "Contact with peers", and "Seeking health care provider's support" were identified. According to the findings, participants themselves activate psychological, spiritual, and social resources to manage their illness. However, resource activation should be carried out with the support of and through a mutual relationship with health care providers.