Title: Occupational Therapy and Nursing Collaboration in Cardiac Surgery Recovery: A Function-Based Pilot Program 

Author:
Jamie C. Drow, DrOT, OTR/L
Kristin R. Wolbert, DNP, APRN, ACCNS-AG, CCRN
Joseph Wiejaczka, MBA, BSN, RN

JACOT Volume 7, Issue 1

Abstract

Background
Patients undergoing a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) procedure typically adhere to sternal precautions that may limit participate in activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). Occupational therapy (OT) is well equipped to address functional needs yet they are not consistently included on the treatment team. Nursing remains a primary care provider and resource for this patient population but there remains little to no evidence on how OT led intervention for populations postoperative CABG impacts functional outcomes, discharge, and readmission.
Methods
A post-op functional program was developed and led by OT and nursing with an emphasis on self-care and functional mobility recovery post CABG. OT facilitated evaluation and intervention beginning on post-op day 1 until discharge, which was reinforced by nursing. Using a single cohort retrospective design, researchers examined patient length of stay, discharge location, and readmission rates compared to state and national benchmarks.
Results
104 patients post coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) were included in the final analysis. All patients participated in occupational therapy (OT) treatment sessions with collaboration from nursing. This single cohort retrospective study showed a reduced length of stay comparable to state and national metrics. Furthermore, there was a lower 30-day hospital readmission rate comparable to state and national rates for similar cardiothoracic populations.
Discussion
Researcher’s suggestion that daily OT interventions, reinforced by nursing, positively influenced patient functional and discharge outcomes following CABG surgery. These findings support the value of OT leading rehabilitative services in acute care settings for cardiothoracic patients. Future research to explore the broader application of OT led functional recovery programs in similar populations.