Impact of Social Support on Patient-Reported Outcomes in Cardiothoracic Surgery: A Systematic Review.

In 30 seconds

This systematic review examined associations between social support and patient-reported outcomes after cardiothoracic surgery in adults. Across 31 studies involving N = 10,920, most studies linked emotional, informational, tangible, and physical support with better mental health and physical recovery and lower symptom burden. Women made up 26.1% of participants and racial minorities 10.5%; women were reported to receive less support and experience greater anxiety, fatigue, and depression. No included studies directly compared outcomes across racial or ethnic subgroups, leaving these groups’ experiences incompletely characterized.

Key findings

• The review included 31 studies (N = 10,920) of adults undergoing cardiothoracic surgery.
• Most studies associated multiple forms of social support with better mental health, physical recovery, and lower symptom burden.
• Women comprised 26.1% of participants and were reported to receive less support and have greater anxiety, fatigue, and depression.
• Racial minorities represented 10.5% of participants; no studies directly compared outcomes across racial or ethnic subgroups.

Why it matters

Patient-reported recovery after cardiothoracic surgery may be associated with the support available to patients, extending attention beyond clinical and procedural factors. The review also highlights substantial gaps in representation and subgroup evidence, limiting understanding of how support and recovery differ across populations. More inclusive research could clarify these relationships and inform efforts to address disparities.

What to keep in mind

The evidence base underrepresented women and racial minorities, and no studies directly compared outcomes across racial or ethnic subgroups. Findings describe associations and do not establish that social support causes improved outcomes.