Enhanced recovery in cardiac surgery patients with frailty through comprehensive perioperative nursing interventions: A randomized controlled trial

Objective To evaluate the effects of comprehensive perioperative nursing interventions on postoperative recovery in cardiac surgery patients with frailty, with a focus on physical activity, nutritional status, and cognitive function. Design A prospective, randomized, single-blind, parallel-group design with a 1:1 allocation ratio. Setting Cardiac surgery department in a tertiary care hospital. Participants This study included 300 patients with frailty after cardiac surgery. Using a computer-generated random number table, patients were randomly assigned to the experimental group (150 patients) and the control group (150 patients). The intervention group received preoperative psychological counseling, targeted nutritional support, skincare, and continuous hemodynamic monitoring; the control group received routine care, including postoperative vital sign monitoring, basic nutritional support, wound care, and standard cardiovascular assessments (e.g., heart rate and blood pressure). Primary outcomes Postoperative recovery was assessed through improvements in physical activity (Barthel Index), nutritional status (Mini Nutritional Assessment), cognitive function (Mini-Mental State Examination), biostatistical data and cardiopulmonary function indicators. Results The intervention group showed significant improvements: Barthel Index increased by 20 points (95% CI: 15–25, p < 0.01), Mini Nutritional Assessment scores by 3 points (95% CI: 1–5, p < 0.05), and Mini-Mental State Examination scores by 4 points (95% CI: 2–6, p < 0.05). Hospital stay was reduced by 5 days (95% CI: 3–7, p < 0.01), and the 6-month survival rate was 10% higher (95% CI: 5–15%, p < 0.05) compared to the control group. Conclusions Comprehensive perioperative nursing interventions significantly improve postoperative recovery, self-care ability, nutritional status, cognitive function, and short-term survival in cardiac surgery patients with frailty.