Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To elucidate facilitators and barriers shaping Iranian patients’ decisions to accept or avoid coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, focusing on psychological, social, and cultural influences. METHODS: This 2024 qualitative study used conventional content analysis with purposive sampling at Bushehr Heart Hospital, Iran. Twenty-four semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 participants (11 patients, 2 family members, 2 nurses, 3 physicians). Data were analyzed inductively using MAXQDA20 software. RESULTS: Eight categories emerged from 24 subcategories. Facilitators of CABG acceptance included Trust in Healthcare Providers, Treatment Transparency, and Infrastructure; Social and Family Support; Access to Information and Specialist Medical Consultation; Learning from Others’ Experiences; and Psychological and Spiritual Coping. Barriers included Fear of Surgical Outcomes; Preference for Major City Hospitals; and Professional Challenges. Trust, strong social support, and positive peer experiences fostered acceptance, while fears, preference for major city hospitals, and professional challenges posed barriers. CONCLUSION: Clear communication, social support, and culturally sensitive counseling enhance CABG acceptance. These insights, grounded in Iran’s context, inform global strategies to optimize patient decision-making and postoperative outcomes.