Prescribed Sternal Precautions vs. Self-Guided Restrictive Care (PEEERC)

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO · Jan 12, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial, called PEEERC, is studying how different ways of managing care after heart surgery affect patients' recovery. Specifically, it compares the standard instructions patients receive after surgery about how to take care of their chest (sternum) to a more flexible approach where patients manage their own care. The goal is to find out if those who follow self-guided care have a better overall quality of life after surgery, while still experiencing the same level of pain and complications as those who follow standard instructions.

To be eligible for this study, participants need to be between 18 and 70 years old, able to move around on their own, and scheduled for a type of heart surgery that involves opening the chest. Participants will receive follow-up calls to check on their pain levels and quality of life, and their medical records will be reviewed for up to a year after surgery. This trial is currently recruiting participants and aims to help improve recovery strategies for heart surgery patients.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Undergoing a sternotomy, English speaking, 18-70 years old, able to ambulate independently
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Sternotomy due to VAD implantation or cardiac transplantation, discharge over 1.5 weeks after surgery, prior sternotomy