Loading...
A wellness program for cardiac surgery improves clinical outcomes
Braun, Lesley Stanguts, Cathy Spitzer, Ondine Hose, Lisa Gunawan, Margaretha Kure, Christina Kwa, Lachlan Esmore, Donald Bailey, Michael Rosenfeldt, Franklin
Braun, Lesley
Stanguts, Cathy
Spitzer, Ondine
Hose, Lisa
Gunawan, Margaretha
Kure, Christina
Kwa, Lachlan
Esmore, Donald
Bailey, Michael
Rosenfeldt, Franklin
Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of an Integrative Cardiac Wellness Program (ICWP) for cardiothoracic surgery patients on postoperative recovery, bleeding risk, satisfaction and participation in rehabilitation programs. Design: An open label study whereby ICWP participants were compared to a historical control group that received usual care at the same hospital. Methods: Patients enrolled at pre-admission clinics took metabolic supplements (CoQ10, magnesium orotate, alpha lipoic acid, omega 3 fatty acids) three times daily from enrolment until surgery and for 4 weeks afterwards. Between postoperative days 3–7, patients received individualised health education from a naturopath followed by a phone call post-discharge. The control group consisted of elective cardiothoracic patients receiving usual care prior to the ICWP commencing. Data was collected from medical records, a survey and interviews. Results: Data from 922 patients were analysed. ICWP participants (n = 337) were well matched with controls (n = 585) for age, gender and history of hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia, diabetes and smoking. Multivariate analysis found that CABG ICWP patients had a relative reduction of 42% for postoperative inotrope (cardiac stimulants) support compared to controls (p < 0.001). Similarly, the ICWP valve surgery patients had 40% relative reduction in the incidence of postoperative inotrope support compared to controls (p = 0.02). There was no significant difference between the treatment and control groups in the incidence of serious bleeding events, defined as return to theatre due to haemorrhage or blood transfusion requirements. ICWP patients gave positive feedback of their experience and there was a 46% increase in attendance at rehabilitation programs compared to controls (p = 0.033). Conclusions: The ICWP is safe, improves postoperative heart function, is well accepted by patients and has long-term patient benefits by improving attendance at rehabilitation.
Keywords
cardiology, wellness, integrative medicine, public health, omega 3 fatty acids, coenzyme q10, bleeding risk, cardiac surgery
Date
2014
Type
Journal article
Journal
Advances in Integrative Medicine
Book
Volume
1
Issue
1
Page Range
32-37
Article Number
ACU Department
Collections
Relation URI
Source URL
Event URL
Open Access Status
License
File Access
Controlled