The modifications, the reasons and the meanings of the occupations after the heart surgery

Abstract

Occupations are actions carried out during life, which have form, purpose, and meaning. Having undergone cardiac surgery as well as the post-operative process can influence the engagement of these occupations. To investigate this issue, the study sought to understand how the occupations of people in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery are presented. This is qualitative, descriptive research, anchored in Occupational Science, carried out in an assistance unit in Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, with participants as twenty-five people who were in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery. The results revealed changes in the form, purpose, and meaning of the occupations. There was withdrawal or modification of these, followed by dissatisfaction with their performance, as well as the need to engage in significant occupations. The research contributed to the construction of scientific knowledge about the occupations of people in the cardiac postoperative period, highlighting that this process is unique and can have repercussions in different ways on occupations. Thus, it is emphasized on the importance of Occupational Therapy within this context as it allows an expanded view of these people, in their physical, psychological, social, and also occupational aspects.