Background: This study aims to investigate the possible effect of discharge training and counseling on functional autonomy and post-discharge problems of the elderly patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.

Methods: This randomized-controlled study was conducted in 36 patients (18 patients in the control group and 18 patients in the study group) aged 65 years and above who underwent elective CABG at a university hospital in Turkey. Data were collected by using three questionnaires and Functional Autonomy Measurement System. The control group receiving routine nursing care was assessed preoperatively and at the end of ninth week after surgery. The study group receiving discharge training and counseling by the investigator was assessed preoperatively and in the second and 10th post-discharge days and at the end of ninth week after surgery.

Results: The postoperative functional autonomy levels of the study group and control group were -8.8±4.5 and -13.5±8.5, respectively. The control group experienced seven of a total of 11 problems compared to the study group after discharge. There was a statistically significant difference in shoulder, up and low back or neck pain between the groups (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Our study results showed that discharge training and counseling given to the elderly patients undergoing CABG surgery had a positive impact on increasing their functional autonomy and decreasing post-discharge problems. Therefore, the institutions are recommended to set up homecare department and to offer discharge training and counseling service taking the functional autonomy levels of elderly patients into consideration.

Keywords : Coronary artery bypass graft; counseling; discharge training; elderly; functional autonomy