Opportunities for patients to engage in postoperative recovery following cardiac surgery: A systematic narrative review

Objective
To compare patient booklets with clinical guidelines and care pathways to assess: gaps in content and depth of information delivered, opportunities for patients participation and to review the trajectory of care to inform recovery.

Methods
A systematic review of the grey literature was conducted using Google search engine and a variety of terms related to cardiac surgery, patient outcomes and recovery pathways. Patient books and care pathways were obtained from major hospitals in Melbourne. Resources were included if they were published between January 2013-August 2018 and written in English.

Results
A total of 31 resources were included in the review, (n = 14 patient booklets, n = 17 clinician guides). Twenty-one topics of recovery were identified. Patient booklets provided information on more topics of recovery than clinician guides (50 % and 24 % respectively). Clinician guides provided more depth on information on topics of recovery than patient booklets (85 % and 73 % respectively). The majority of patient booklets outlined patient participation was in five topics of recovery.

Conclusions
Gaps in the type and depth of information exist between patient and clinician guidelines. Clearer guidelines on how patients can participate in care are needed.

Practice implications
Nurses are key drivers in facilitating patient participation in postoperative recovery.