The Effect of Nurse Telephone Consultation After Coronary Artery Bypass on the Autonomy Level of Elderly Patients: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Abstract

Objective: The effect of nurse telephone consultations was determined on the autonomy levels of elderly patients after coronary artery bypass surgery in this quasi-experimental study. Methods: This study was conducted as a quasi-experimental research investigation from December 25, 2015, to January 10, 2017, at the cardiovascular surgery clinic of a university hospital and included 64 patients (32 cases, 32 control group patients). The data were collected using the patient descriptive form, The Functional Autonomy Measurement System, Discharge Information Guide, and The Telephone Consultation Follow-Up Form. The patients in the case group were provided with nurse telephone consultations six weeks after discharge. The Functional Autonomy Measurement System was re-administered to all patients at the end of six weeks. The necessary ethical and institutional approvals were obtained before the study. Results: The mean age of the patients was 69.96 (+/- 4.94) years, 76.56% (n=49) were males, 85.9% (n=55) were married, and 73.43% (n=47) were primary school graduates. The mean autonomy score (-4.04 +/- 2.52) and the autonomy level of daily life activities of the patients (-2.20 +/- 1.71) in the case group (p=0.000) were significantly higher at the end of six weeks (p<0.05). Conclusion: Nurse telephone consultations increased the autonomy level of elderly patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery.