Impact of an early recovery management intervention on functioning in postoperative coronary artery bypass patients with diabetes

Background: Approximately 30% of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) procedures have diabetes and, as such, are at increased risk for postoperative complications and a lengthy recovery. Objective: To test the feasibility of an in-home early recovery management intervention to improve physical and psychosocial functioning in the diabetic CABG population. Methods: This pilot study was a 2-group, randomized, experimental study. The 6-week in-home early recovery intervention was delivered by way of a device called the Health Buddy (Health Hero Network, Redwood City, CA). Subjects were 49 diabetic patients who had undergone a first-time CABG procedure. Results: Although no statistical differences between groups were found, descriptively, the intervention group's baseline means on Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 subscales measuring physical functioning were lower but improved to levels comparable with that of the control group. Improvements in psychosocial functioning were comparable between the 2 groups. Conclusion: This in-home telehealth intervention may have promise for improving functioning outcomes in high-risk CABG patients with diabetes. However, weaknesses of the intervention and the need for a more focused, directive intervention were identified.