Health, Spirituality and Medical Ethics

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Patients are oriented towards spirituality after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The aim of this study was to explore the patients’ spiritual experiences after CABG.

Methods: This qualitative study was conducted using hermeneutic phenomenology. 11 participants (7 males and 4 females) were interviewed in Tehran Heart Center Hospital in 2013 using maximum variation along with purposive sampling methods. The interviews were recorded and then converted to texts word for word. The texts were analyzed using van Manen six-step method.

Results: The main theme of the contents which were experienced by the participants was spirituality and its sub contents were: trust in God, Supplicating to the Prophet and Imams, and accepting the will of God.

Conclusion: The findings showed that the participants who had undergone surgery on coronary artery bypass grafting had a rise in spirituality. They took advantage of spirituality to handle their problems. Using the research findings, members of the treatment team, especially nurses, can use this study to advance care planning and to train patients and their families better.