A new screening tool has been developed to identify patients at high risk of reduced postoperative quality of life due to socioeconomic factors. Researchers from the Institute of Experimental Psychology at Heinrich-Heine-University in Düsseldorf and the Clinic for Cardiovascular Surgery at Dortmund Hospital collaborated to investigate the factors that affect patients’ quality of life after cardiovascular surgery. The study, published in the International Journal of Surgery, surveyed 6,099 patients using the Nottingham Health Profile, a standardized questionnaire that assesses health-related quality of life. The researchers also collected socioeconomic data, such as patients’ income. The study found that classic health problems after heart surgery, such as shortness of breath and chest pain, are particularly common in patients with specific socioeconomic factors, such as those without regular employment, men, single people, and young patients.
Based on these findings, the researchers developed a screening tool that could soon be used in clinical practice to help doctors identify patients at high risk of reduced postoperative quality of life. The tool would enable doctors to provide more intensive care to these patients. According to Professor Alexander Albert, “Doctors have always been interested in how their patients are doing months after the operation.” He has been systematically sending questionnaires to patients he has operated on for the past 20 years. The new study’s results are consistent with Albert’s observations, which show that postoperative symptoms are more likely to occur when patients also have psychological problems. Dr. Nora Schaal, one of the study’s authors, suggests that “additional secondary help” can be offered to these patients in addition to routine rehabilitation measures. This could include psychological support after the operation.
The study’s findings highlight the importance of considering socioeconomic factors when assessing patients’ postoperative quality of life. The screening tool developed by the researchers could help doctors provide more targeted care to patients at high risk of reduced quality of life. By identifying these patients early, doctors can offer additional support to improve their overall well-being after surgery.
