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In this descriptive, repeated-measures study, we assessed changes in Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQL) of cardiac surgical patients’ caregivers over time and their need for support. Ninety-six primary carers of cardiac patients who had received elective surgery at one tertiary referral hospital were recruited. The majority were female spouses of patients who had undergone bypass and/or cardiac valve surgery. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire that included the SF-36v2 quality of life health survey and asked about their need for support 6 weeks and 6 months following patient discharge. Carers reported a significant improvement in five out of eight HRQL dimensions (Physical functioning, Physical role, Vitality, Social functioning, Role-emotional) over the study period (P < 0.05). Those who completed the survey at 6 weeks but not 6 months reported higher scores across all dimensions. Carers’ need for support need was higher at 6 weeks than 6 months.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Keywords:	cardiac rehabilitation, carers, quality of life, support needs
Research Division:	Health Sciences
Research Group:	Nursing
Research Field:	Sub-acute care
Objective Division:	Health
Objective Group:	Public health (excl. specific population health)
Objective Field:	Health status (incl. wellbeing)
UTAS Author:	Barnett, T (Associate Professor Tony Barnett)
ID Code:	77829
Year Published:	2012
Web of Science® Times Cited:	3
Deposited By:	UTAS Centre for Rural Health
Deposited On:	2012-05-31
Last Modified:	2017-11-02
Downloads:	0