Non-Pharmacological Interventions on Patient Experience and Healthcare Utilization in Adult Cardiac Surgery Patients

The Impact of Non-Pharmacological Interventions on Patient Experience, Opioid Use, and Healthcare Utilization in Adult Cardiac Surgery Patients

This study will assess whether non-pharmacological interventions by a comfort coach affect the amount of opioid pain medication used, as well as perceived physical pain and emotional anxiety and healthcare utilization for adult cardiac surgery patients. Participants that are eligible for the study will be randomized to the comfort coach arm or standard of care. Both groups will complete surveys at the specific time frames in order to compare their outcomes. The study hypothesis is that there will be a decrease in opioid use in the intervention group compared to the standard of care arm during the 90-day perioperative course, as well as a decrease in pain and anxiety along with a lower composite outcome of healthcare utilization.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Receiving a first-time elective status open heart cardiac surgery procedure in the Frankel Cardiovascular Center at Michigan Medicine during the recruitment period through a full or miniature sternotomy incision
• Opioid-naïve, defined as not taking a home opioid medication at time of preoperative H&P

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients undergoing cardiac transplantation, implantation of ventricular assist device, reoperation, and any planned use of circulatory arrest
• Chronic opioid users defined as taking an opioid at time of preoperative clinic visit
• Non-English speaking
• Inability to understand or complete surveys
• Pregnancy
• Unable to sign legal consent form (legal guardian signature not acceptable)