Family interventions during the trajectory of recovery from cardiac event: An integrative literature review

The experience of a cardiac event is a source of stress for both patients and their family members that may be viewed as a family crisis. The trajectory of cardiovascular disease, including both the acute and recovery phases, involves continuous adjustment by patients and family members as they attempt to reconcile the impact of the event and adapt to the uncertainties associated with the chronicity of coronary heart disease. This article reviews empirical intervention research available to practitioners and researchers that may guide the use of family centered cardiovascular nursing interventions. Although a significant amount of research has been conducted in this area, conclusions regarding patient and family interventions are varied. Directions for future research focus on the need for family centered interventions that address the needs of patients with cardiovascular disease that are specific to phases in the trajectory of illness. (Heart Lung® 2002;31:186-98.)