Defense Date

11-15-2016

Graduation Date

Fall 1-1-2016

Availability

One-year Embargo

Submission Type

dissertation

Degree Name

PhD

Department

Nursing

School

School of Nursing

Committee Chair

Kathleen Sekula

Committee Member

Linda Goodfellow

Committee Member

Ellen Giarelli

Keywords

cardiovascular surgery, depression, serotonin, uncertainty

Abstract

Evidence supports that both psychological and psychosocial factors, such as uncertainty and depression contribute to the incidence of poor health outcomes in cardiac patients undergoing surgery. Uncertainty and depression can illicit feelings of loss of control and have a direct effect on the health related quality of life of patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Known predictor variables were identified and proposals for further research were explored in order to establish a standard of care for this population related to their psychological health. This research attempts to highlight those variables that most impact the long term outcomes of cardiac patients. In addition, the role of serotonin levels is explored as a function of identifying depressive symptomatology before and after surgery. Pre-operative assessment of these variables may assist in the development of interventional strategies that can be applied by health care providers in order to identify those patients at risk and to ultimately improve health outcomes.

Format

PDF

Language

English

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