Psychological risk factors for cardiac-related hospital readmission within 6 months of coronary artery bypass graft surgery

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to examine the psychological risk factors for cardiac-related readmission within 6 months of coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG).MethodsConsecutive patients awaiting elective CABG (N=119; 100 males and 19 females), with a mean age of 63.3 years, completed a battery of psychosocial measures in a three-stage repeated-measures design. Relevant medical data were also extracted from patients' medical records 6 months postoperatively to allow for the examination of potential covariates.ResultsTwo psychological variables, increased postoperative anxiety and increased preoperative depression, were identified as risk factors for cardiac-related readmission independent of the only significant covariate identified, cardiopulmonary bypass time.ConclusionAnxiety in the immediate postoperative period and, to a lesser extent, preoperative depression are important determinants of health care utilization postdischarge. Further research to clarify the psychological factors that are predictive of readmission, and that attempt to determine both the underlying cause of readmissions and potential mechanisms through which psychological factors act is recommended. Such research may highlight potential factors to target in interventions and the best time at which to intervene.