Factors Affecting the Intensive Care Experience of Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Cardiac surgery is an operation with a high risk of postoperative complications. Many factors affect patients’ intensive care experience, especially after an operation. Objectives: To investigate the factors affecting the intensive care experience of patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 200 patients who had undergone cardiac surgery in a hospital in Turkey between February and September 2022. Results: Patients who had cardiac surgery perceived their experiences in the intensive care unit (ICU) as more positive than negative. Variables of age, gender, length of stay (LOS) in the ICU, and mean pain scores were found to be significant predictors (53%) of the intensive care experience, with the most significant factor being LOS in the ICU. Conclusions: Both the LOS in the ICU and the pain scores can be alleviated with effective care. Reducing pain and shortening intensive care stays by providing quality nursing care will make the ICU experience more positive.