Abstract
BACKGROUND: Heart valve replacement (HVR) surgery represents a significant life event that can potentially impact the well-being (WB) of patients; however, there is a shortage of research on the understanding of WB in HVR patients. This study aims to elucidate the WB experiences of patients who have undergone HVR surgery. METHODS: A qualitative directed content analysis approach was employed, focusing on patients who had undergone HVR surgery at hospitals affiliated with Mashhad University of Medical Sciences in Iran from March 2021 to June 2022. Data collection involved conducting 23 face-to-face, semi-structured, in-depth interviews with HVR patients until data saturation was reached. Data analysis was performed using the Elo and Kyngäs approach in MAXQDA software version 10. RESULTS: The analysis revealed 11 generic categories based on the Biopsychosocial-Spiritual (BPSS) model, encompassing the WB experiences of HVR patients. These categories included physical improvements, facilitated treatment compliance, personal and environmental mastery, optimism in life, resilience, healing therapeutic communication of medical staff, a positive supportive atmosphere, job and financial assurance, faith in a higher power, optimism regarding a purposeful future, and gratitude mixed with generosity. CONCLUSION: The findings of the current study revealed that the experience of WB in HVR patients was influenced by various conditions. By recognizing these conditions, healthcare providers can develop targeted interventions to improve the WB experience in these patients. Also, the findings provide a foundation for future research on WB in medical contexts.