"Dread to treat" patients in cardiac surgery: Global strategies for interacting with cardiothoracic patients with substance use disorders. Issue 12 (14th October 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Allespach, Heidi; Stahl, Kenneth D.
• Is Part Of: Journal of cardiac surgery. Volume 34:Issue 12(2019)
• Page Start: 1427
• Page End: 1429
• Publication Date: 2019-10-14
• Subjects: behavioral interventions -- intravenous drug abuse -- substance use disorders -- surgeon wellness -- valve repair/replacement; Heart -- Surgery -- Periodicals; 617.412005
• DOI: 10.1111/jocs.14271
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0886-0440

Abstract

Abstract: Patients with substance use disorders (SUDs) who undergo valve repair or replacement are often readmitted to the hospital after discharge secondary to recidivism. These "dread to treat" patients pose a unique dilemma for cardiac surgeons who often must make the extremely difficult decision of whether to perform a valve replacement in a recidivist patient with SUDs. This editorial focuses on illuminating strategies which surgeons can administer to patients with SUDs to improve quality of care and reduce provider distress.