Psychosocial and physiologic needs of patients with arterial occlusive disease during the preoperative phase of hospitalization.

This study explored the needs experienced by 60 patients with chronic AOD during the period of hospitalization preceding reconstructive surgery. Ten physiological, psychological, and sociocultural need variables were found to relate to two major needs, a need for information and a need for support. The investigator identified a need for information related to preventive health behaviors and a need for support related to four areas. The patients expressed a need for support to overcome difficulties experienced in coping with the ramifications of chronic illness and anxiety regarding future progression of the disease. Significant differences existed between male and female and older and younger patients in several need areas. Influencing factors were primarily associated with perceived changes in self-concept and role relationships. The study indicated that difficulties experienced in adapting to chronic vascular disease exert a major influence on patients' perceptions during the preoperative period. Intervention during this period must thus meet needs related to both the chronic nature and the acute surgical phase of the disease. The study has provided an initial basis for developing interventions to meet these needs. However, further research utilizing a multivariate approach, is necessary before the complex nature of factors influencing patients' needs will be understood totally.