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. 2021 Jan 1;20(1):34-39.
doi: 10.1177/1474515120927121.

Self-efficacy, recovery and psychological wellbeing one to five years after heart transplantation: a Swedish cross-sectional study

Matilda Almgren  1 , Pia Lundqvist  1 , Annette Lennerling  2   3 , Anna Forsberg  1   4
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Free article

Self-efficacy, recovery and psychological wellbeing one to five years after heart transplantation: a Swedish cross-sectional study

Matilda Almgren et al. Eur J Cardiovasc Nurs. .
Free article

Abstract

Background: Self-efficacy refers to a person´s confidence in carrying out treatment-related activities and constitutes the foundation of self-management as well as long-term follow-up after heart transplantation. Exploring the heart recipients´ experiences by means of self-report instruments provides healthcare professionals with valuable information on how to supply self-management support after heart transplantation.

Aims: The aim was to explore self-efficacy in relation to the self-reported level of recovery and psychological wellbeing, among adult heart recipients, one to 5 years after transplantation.

Methods: This cross-sectional study includes 79 heart recipients, due for follow-up one to 5 years after transplantation. Three different self-assessment instruments were employed: the self-efficacy for managing chronic disease 6-item scale; the postoperative recovery profile; and the psychological general wellbeing instrument.

Results: The reported level of self-efficacy was high (median 8.3, maximum score 10). Significantly higher self-efficacy was seen among those who had returned to work (P = 0.003) and those without pre-transplant mechanical circulatory support (P = 0.033). In total, 65.5% (n = 52) reported being reasonably recovered, while 18.8% (n = 12) were not recovered. The median total psychological general wellbeing score was 108 (P25 = 24, P75 = 117), suggesting overall good psychological wellbeing in the whole group of heart recipients.

Conclusion: The heart transplant recipients in our study had an overall high level of self-efficacy. Low self-efficacy was found among those with a low self-reported level of recovery, pre-transplant treatment with mechanical circulatory support or who had not returned to work. This is important information for transplant professionals when helping heart recipients to balance their expectations about recovery.

Keywords: Heart transplantation; recovery; self-efficacy; self-management; wellbeing.

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