RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

CARE Qualitative Study

More than 30,000 people have heart surgery in the UK each year. While it's generally safe, about 1 in 5 patients return to hospital within a year. We don't fully understand why this happens. It could be due to complications from surgery, like an irregular heartbeat, or because other health problems become worse. This study wants to find out what kind of care people receive after heart surgery and what patients and healthcare staff believe would help prevent these readmissions. The main goal is to prepare for future research to find the best ways to improve care and support for people after heart surgery, once they've gone home.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

Start

27 May 2026

Estimated completion

31 Mar 2027

Cardiac Surgery

What is this study about?

Each year in the UK, many people undergo heart surgery. While it's a very helpful procedure for many, we know that about one in five people find themselves back in hospital within a year of their operation. We don't fully understand why this happens. It might be because of problems directly linked to the surgery, such as changes in the heart's rhythm, or it could be because other health conditions they have become more difficult to manage after the surgery.

This study, called the CARE Qualitative Study, is an important step towards better understanding this issue. The researchers want to talk to people who have had heart surgery and the healthcare staff who look after them. They aim to find out what care is currently provided once people leave hospital and, crucially, what everyone thinks could be done differently to help people stay well at home and avoid returning to hospital.

The overall goal of this early work is to gather information and ideas. This will help the researchers plan future studies that will look into the very best ways to improve the support and care people receive after heart surgery, once they are discharged from the hospital. By understanding what works and what could be better, they hope to develop strategies that help more people recover smoothly at home.

Key takeaways

Understanding why people return to hospital after heart surgery.
Improving support and care for heart surgery patients after they go home.
Gathering insights from patients, families, and healthcare staff.
A qualitative study, meaning it focuses on experiences and opinions.
Takes place by having a conversation (interview) with researchers.
Your input could help shape better future care for others.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for people who have had heart surgery within the last year, such as a coronary bypass, heart valve repair, or surgery on their aorta (a large artery). We are also keen to hear from family members or carers of people who have had these operations in the past 12 months. An important point is that participants should no longer be actively seeing their heart surgeon for follow-up appointments, either in hospital or at a clinic.

However, there are some reasons why someone might not be able to take part. If you've had a heart transplant, this study is not for you. Also, if you are still having regular follow-up with your cardiac surgery team, or if you are a prisoner, you won't be able to join. Lastly, everyone taking part needs to be able to fully understand what the study involves and give their agreement.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Have I had heart surgery (like bypass or valve surgery) in the last year?
Am I, or am I a family member/carer of someone who had surgery in the last year?
Am I no longer having regular follow-up with my heart surgeon?
Have I not had a heart transplant?
Am I able to understand information and agree to take part?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study involves sharing your thoughts and experiences. If you agree to take part, you would be invited to have a conversation (an interview) with one of the researchers. During this conversation, you would be asked about your experiences of care after heart surgery, what you found helpful, and what you think could be improved. The researchers are also interested in what you believe would help prevent people from returning to hospital. This is not a study where you would be given new medication or undergo medical procedures. There are no hospital visits beyond the interview itself, which can often be arranged at a convenient time and place for you. The total time commitment would be the length of the interview, which might be an hour or so.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study offers the benefit of sharing your valuable experiences, which could help improve future care for others having heart surgery. It's a chance to have your voice heard and contribute to research that might lead to better support. There are very few risks involved, as you are simply discussing your experiences. Your information will be kept confidential. Remember, you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust
Verified postcode
Bristol, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What kind of heart surgery are you interested in?

We're interested in common heart surgeries like coronary artery bypass (CABG), heart valve surgery, or surgery on the aorta.

Do I need to be ill to take part?

No, we're interested in the experiences of all people who've had heart surgery, regardless of whether they've been readmitted to hospital or not.

How long ago should my surgery be?

You should have had your heart surgery within the last 12 months (one year).

Will I have to take any new medicines?

No, this study doesn't involve any new medicines, treatments, or procedures. It's about discussing your experiences.

Can my family join too?

Yes, family members or carers of someone who had heart surgery in the last year are also welcome to take part.

How to find out more

Elizabeth Lumley

e.lumley@sheffield.ac.uk 07955404384 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.