This study assessed the psychological impact of an educational group for cardiac surgery patients in a university hospital. Seventy-three subjects took part in the study - 62% were men with an average age of 52 (standard deviation = 16), subjected to a multidisciplinary session including discussion about heart disease, surgical procedures and psychological symptoms. The results showed that for a few patients (36%), the group helped to clarify questions about the treatment, demonstrating the need for adjustments in teaching strategies for a better understanding of the content. The analysis of emotions perceived after participation in the program showed that 70% were said to be hopeful. The contrast between "hope" and "tranquility" was an expected emotional response given the experience of surgery, evaluated as an environmental threat condition. It was concluded that the educational group was beneficial to the patients' psychosocial adjustment to surgery. However, greater effectiveness will be achieved by improving the performance method and the inclusion of an interdisciplinary program designed to control stress.
Thoracic surgery; Psychosocial impact; Group instruction
