Patients' experiences with nursing care undergoing open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair: A qualitative systematic review and meta-synthesis.

PURPOSE: Patients undergoing open repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm face a lifesaving but profoundly demanding procedure that disrupts everyday life and creates challenges for their physical, emotional, and existential well-being. This review synthesizes qualitative evidence on patients' experiences of nursing care and hospitalization when admitted for open repair and the subsequent personal rehabilitation. No previous qualitative synthesis exists focusing specifically on this patient group and vascular nursing care.

METHODS

A qualitative systematic review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology. The databases Embase, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Google Scholar, and ProQuest Theses & Dissertations were searched. Study quality was assessed using the Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument, and findings were synthesized using JBI meta-aggregation supported by inductive content analysis.

RESULTS

Seven studies met the inclusion criteria. The analysis identified three main categories of findings: the existential impact of life-changing moments, reclaiming everyday life, and navigating physical, informational, and emotional challenges. These categories were integrated into an overarching meta-synthesis entitled "life-changing moments and reclaiming everyday life."

CONCLUSION

Patients undergoing open repair experience surgery as a life-changing event causing ongoing physical and existential challenges that extend beyond discharge. Vascular nursing practice should therefore offer gradual introduction of person-centered information, attend explicitly to existential concerns, and ensure planned follow-up to support rehabilitation and the reclaiming of everyday life.