Frailty and Dependency in Older Adults Undergoing Cardiac Surgery

Frailty and dependency are common conditions among older adults undergoing cardiac surgery and may adversely affect postoperative recovery and readiness for hospital discharge. Early identification of these conditions before surgery may facilitate individualized perioperative care and improve postoperative outcomes. This observational study aims to investigate the effects of preoperative frailty and dependency on postoperative recovery and readiness for hospital discharge in older patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Data will be collected before surgery and at hospital discharge using validated assessment instruments. The findings are expected to support preoperative risk assessment and contribute to individualized nursing care planning for older cardiac surgery patients.

Inclusion Criteria: * Age between 65 and 85 years * Scheduled to undergo cardiac surgery (coronary artery bypass graft surgery, * Bentall procedure, heart valve surgery, or aneurysm surgery) * No surgical history within the previous two months * Able to read and write Turkish * No hearing impairment * Willing to participate and provide written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Surgery within the previous eight weeks * Diagnosis of a psychiatric disorder * Withdrawal of consent during the study * Incomplete study questionnaires