Experiences of therapy following cardiac events or surgery
Research type
Research Study
Full title
How does psychological therapy facilitate adjustment after cardiac events or surgery?
IRAS ID
365646
Contact name
Salla Karki
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Canterbury Christ Church University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, months, 30 days
Research summary
Mental health difficulties like depression and anxiety are common experiences after heart attacks and heart surgery. In most cases, anxiety and depression get better on their own, as the body also recovers from these traumatic health events. However, for some, these difficulties do not get better on their own or make daily living very difficult. In some healthcare settings, people who have experienced heart attacks or surgery who experience mental health difficulties are offered talking therapy. Current evidence from research indicates that therapy can improve anxiety, stress and depression for those who have experienced a heart attack or heart surgery. In fact, some evidence also suggests that therapy might have a positive impact on physical health. Even though it appears that talking therapy could be beneficial for this group of people, research has not yet been conducted on what aspects or processes of therapy are particularly helpful. This makes it more challenging to make specific recommendations on what kind of therapy to offer people who have experienced a heart attack or surgery. It is proposed that a qualitative study, interviewing patients about their experiences of therapy after a heart attack or surgery and interviewing clinicians who deliver this therapy could lead to a deeper understanding of the experiences, processes and interactions that help people adjust to life following these health events. The research would involve individual interviews either in-person or online with one facilitator about people’s experiences of therapy or delivering therapy. Findings from this research could lead to better recommendations for the care of patients’ emotional wellbeing following heart attacks or surgery. The research is funded by Canterbury Christchurch University. The main recruitment site would be a Cardiac Rehabilitation Service in Greater Glasgow and Clyde NHS and Cardiac psychology professional’s special interest groups.
REC name
London - Bromley Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/LO/0387
Date of REC Opinion
6 Jul 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion