Technology-Enhanced Continuous Nursing System (TECNS) for Post-CABG Recovery

Efficacy of a Technology-Enhanced Continuous Nursing Intervention on Clinical Outcomes and Quality of Life Following Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This is a prospective, randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a Technology-Enhanced Continuous Nursing System (TECNS) compared to routine care for patients after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The study aims to determine if the TECNS intervention, which includes digital health tools, personalized tele-rehabilitation, and continuous nursing support, can improve clinical outcomes such as postoperative hemoglobin recovery, reduce long-term major adverse cardiac events (MACE), and enhance patients' quality of life and psychological well-being.

Patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) face significant challenges during the post-discharge recovery period. The transition from hospital to home often creates a "care gap," where insufficient support and follow-up can lead to suboptimal outcomes, including poor medication adherence, increased complication rates, and diminished quality of life. This study was designed to address this gap by implementing and evaluating a Technology-Enhanced Continuous Nursing System (TECNS). Participants were randomized to receive either the comprehensive TECNS intervention for 6 months post-discharge or standard routine care. The TECNS intervention integrated a dedicated smartphone application for education, a WeChat group for peer and professional support, personalized tele-rehabilitation plans delivered by nurses, and coordination with community health centers. The study hypothesized that this proactive, continuous care model would lead to superior physiological recovery, better long-term clinical outcomes, and improved patient-reported outcomes compared to the traditional, fragmented approach to post-discharge care.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age between 18 and 75 years
• Meeting diagnostic criteria for elective CABG
• Able to provide informed consent
• Owned a smartphone and was willing to use it for the study intervention

Exclusion Criteria:

• Emergency or salvage CABG
• Severe coexisting conditions that could confound outcomes (e.g., end-stage renal disease, severe COPD [GOLD stage IV], active malignancy)
• Left ventricular ejection fraction < 30%
• Participation in other clinical trials
• Severe cognitive impairment or psychiatric disorders precluding informed consent or adherence to the protocol