| Long-term chronic illness such as coronary heart disease (CAD) effects individuals, families, communities, and the medical system on a global scale (American Heart Association [AHA], n.d.; The Center for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2013; World Health Organization [WHO], 2015). Although research suggests psychosocial symptoms such as anxiety and depression can produce poor health outcomes, there is not enough research to suggest how mental health is managed with patients who suffer from chronic illness. This dissertation used a quantitative design utilizing exploratory research to examine mental health attitudes within the field of cardiology by applying a researcher designed survey. The purpose was to explore cardiologist's attitudes and beliefs about how mental health is identified, screened, and managed with patients experiencing chronic coronary artery disease. Since little to no research was available on this specific topic, reliability and validity were not measured, consequently, the goal of the project was seeking information only. Although the survey design could not be validated due to low response (N = 7) and exploratory design, the responses from the participants suggest the identification, management, and treatment of mental health symptoms needs further study. Furthermore, the responses suggest both the patient and cardiologist discuss mental health, and treatment of mental health could be beneficial, however, there are no procedures in place to assess mental health, nor is there an established referral system in place to treat mental health. What is clear from the participant responses is mental health needs for cardiac patients need to be examined in depth to assess how mental health treatment could benefit health outcomes. |
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