Sense of coherence and experiences of social support and mastery in the early discharge period after an acute cardiac event.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to examine sense of coherence and experiences of change in social support and mastery from a short-term perspective in patients who had been admitted to hospital with a suspected myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND

The early discharge period after an acute cardiac event can be a stressful and vulnerable time when psychosocial resources are of the utmost importance. A positive outcome in an encounter with a stressor is thought to be linked to a strong sense of coherence, social support and mastery.

DESIGN

A multi-centre survey was conducted in three hospitals in southern Sweden.

METHODS

The sample was 300, 241 of whom completed the questionnaires; while in hospital and two weeks postdischarge.

RESULTS

In the early discharge period a low sense of coherence was found in over 60% of the sample. There was an association between social support and mastery and between sense of coherence and mastery. Differences in social support ratings, with lower ratings two weeks postdischarge, were found among women and persons over 65 years of age.

CONCLUSIONS

This study adds knowledge about experiences in the early discharge period. Changes in ratings of social support but not in ratings of mastery were found between baseline and two weeks postdischarge.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Healthcare professionals need to be sensitive to patients' sense of coherence, mastery and need for social support during the early discharge period. They can help patients to identify adequate support strategies and prevent future potential complications. However, to routinely assess sense of coherence, social support and mastery, there is a need for a simple and useful instrument in clinical practice.