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Investigators:
Ms Rosemary Higgins, Dr Marian Worcester, Dr Barbara Murphy, Dr Alan Goble, Dr Peter Elliott, Mr Michael Le Grande, Ms Anne Parkinson, Heart Research Centre.
As part of the larger trial
comparing neuropsychological outcomes of coronary bypass surgery with and
without the use of the heart bypass machine, an additional study was conducted
to investigate psychosocial outcomes of patients. Self report questionnaires
were administered before surgery and after two and six months to assess
emotional functioning, social functioning and quality of life of both patient
and partner.
Many studies have been undertaken
in the past to investigate psychological responses to coronary bypass surgery.
Results of these studies show that mood disturbances are common. Anxiety,
depression, agitation, anger, symptoms of stress, personality disturbance,
social difficulties and mood changes have all been reported. While some trials
have been conducted to compare the impact upon cognitive function of "on
pump" and "off pump" surgery, no studies have systematically
examined psychological outcomes of patients entered into these trials.
Questionnaires were administered to patients on the waiting list for coronary
bypass surgery at The Royal Melbourne Hospital and again after eight weeks and
six months.
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