The Effect of Visual Sternal Precautions on Behavioral Intentions and Readmissions

Study Summary

Sternal precautions are standard patient education protocol disseminated to post-operative open heart surgery patients . While this "best practice" safety measure is widely distributed to patients, the origin of said precautions is unknown. Statewide hospitals vary on their parameters for sternal precautions using a myriad of restrictions, i.e. weighted activities, biomechanical movements to be avoided. In addition, the medium in which sternal precautions are taught varies, thus complicating patient adherence to these vital post-operative measures. The primary objective of this study is to use a randomized pre-post test design to compare two different training procedures. One training group examines current standard of care (providing verbal instruction using teach back and written sternal precautions). The second training group provides subjects with visual depiction of sternal precautions, in addition to standard of care. The study will analyze 30 and 60 day readmission rates for aforementioned patients. Finally, the study will assess changes in behavior intentions from before training to after training in both groups via behavioral analysis survey consisting of 8 questions. Hypothesis 1: The investigators hypothesize that subjects provided with visual sternal precautions, in addition to standard of care, will have a lower 30 and 60 day readmission rate when compared to subjects in the standard of care group Hypothesis 2: The investigators hypothesize that changes in behavior intentions toward sternal precautions will be greater from before training to after training in the visual SPs in addition to standard of care group than the standard of care only group.

Primary Outcome

The intervention group will receive "standard of care" sternal precautions delivered via written medium. In addition, printed visual depictions of sternal precautions will be provided. During completion of the initial Physical Therapy evaluation, patients will be asked to provide baseline knowledge of sternal precautions via "teach back," an important tool in assessing patients' knowledge of important points delivered during clinical practice. Patients will then perform teach back of sternal pre

Interventions

• BEHAVIORAL Visual Sternal Precautions