A pilot study on development and feasibility of the ‘MyEducation: CABG application’ for patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery

BACKGROUND: Patients scheduled for coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery tend to have persistent symptoms of anxiety and depression. Course of hospital stay post-CABG procedure has become increasingly shorter over the last few decades. This pilot study was conducted to develop and test feasibility of MyEducation: CABG application as a learning tool to reduce anxiety and depression levels among patients undergoing CABG Surgery. METHODS: This study was quasi-experimental in design. Forty-five patients scheduled for CABG surgery were recruited via consecutive sampling from a Tertiary Referral Centre at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. MyEducation:CABG application (Web-based education application) was administered among the intervention group (N = 23); while the control group (N = 22) underwent standard care. Web-based education application were implemented by nurses at admission and prior to discharge. Patients were assisted in terms of queries and concerns, upon which corresponding information and support was provided. Sociodemographic data were obtained from patients, prior to administration of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale which was used to measure levels of anxiety and depression. The educational application was used to obtain satisfaction rating among intervention group. These measures were administered upon admission, on discharge and one-month post-discharge. RESULTS: Mean anxiety and depression scores among the intervention group were lower compared to the control. This was significant for anxiety upon admission, on discharge and one-month post-discharge (p < 0.05). Reduced mean depression scores was only significant at one month post-discharge (p < 0.05). Intervention group were generally satisfied with design, content and usability of the application. CONCLUSIONS: Utilisation of MyEducation: CABG application as an educational platform were associated with reduced anxiety and depression among CABG patients, which probably explains positive user satisfaction levels reported. Hence, the study recommends implementation of this application among larger sample as a way to support patient scheduled for CABG aside, with further possibility of preventing complications.