The coronary bypass waiting list: a social evaluation.

Sixty-six patients on a coronary bypass waiting list for a median time of six months, and their spouses, completed questionnaires about their work status, income loss, hospital readmissions, communication with doctors and anxiety levels. Thirty percent of patients needed heart related sick leave while listed, 32% had lost income and 20% claimed financial hardship. Reduction in work status had almost always occurred before listing. Seventeen percent had required hospital readmission. Spouse anxiety levels were raised (p = 0.009) and 45% claimed their own health had suffered. We recommend that more attention is given to the psychosocial needs of both patients and spouses during the waiting period for coronary bypass grafting.