The interaction between the patient and nurse anesthetist immediately before elective coronary artery bypass surgery.

PURPOSE Establishing a purposive interaction with a patient who is in a vulnerable situation before coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery poses a challenge for the nurse anesthetist. The aim of this study was to identify and describe the interaction between the patient and the nurse anesthetist immediately before elective CABG surgery. DESIGN An observational study using a grounded theory design was used. METHODS A theoretical selection of patients and nurse anesthetists was made. A total of 11 situations of patient/nurse anesthetist interaction were observed. The data were analyzed using the constant comparative method. FINDINGS A core category of reassurance emerged from other categories of continuity, confirmation, and control. Continuity was characterized by expedient anesthesia nursing of high quality, confirmation was related to communication in a trusting atmosphere, and control was associated with skilled nursing interventions in the thoracic operating theatre. CONCLUSIONS Reassurance can be achieved through a well-structured anesthesia nursing performance in the thoracic operating theatre, and by focusing on the patient and continuously giving him/her information during the preoperative preparation phase.