Objective:

To evaluate the effects of postoperative educational interventions in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) on psychological, self-management, and quality-of-life outcomes.

Approach:

• Search Strategy: A comprehensive literature search was performed in multiple databases from inception to March 2026, focusing on coronary artery bypass grafting, education, and discharge/post-discharge care.
• Eligibility Criteria: Included adult CABG patients receiving postoperative educational interventions compared to usual care, with outcomes related to psychological well-being, self-management, or quality of life.
• Meta-Analysis: Pooled effects were calculated as standardized mean differences (SMDs) using a random-effects model when heterogeneity was present.

Key Findings:

• Postoperative educational interventions significantly reduced anxiety (SMD = −0.48, 95% CI: −0.87 to −0.08) and depression (SMD = −0.42, 95% CI: −0.71 to −0.14).
• Significant improvement in physical functioning was observed (SMD = 0.30, 95% CI: 0.08 to 0.52).
• Mental functioning showed a favorable but non-significant trend (SMD = 0.26, 95% CI: −0.01 to 0.53).
• Self-efficacy did not show a statistically significant pooled effect (SMD = 1.08, 95% CI: −1.12 to 3.29).
• Self-power improved significantly (SMD = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.19 to 0.89), but this was based on only two studies.

Interpretation:

Postoperative educational interventions have beneficial effects on reducing anxiety and depression and improving physical functioning in CABG patients.

Limitations:

• Limited number of included studies.
• Substantial heterogeneity in self-efficacy results.
• Findings for self-power should be interpreted cautiously due to reliance on a small number of studies.

Conclusion:

Postoperative educational interventions can reduce anxiety and depression and improve physical functioning in CABG patients.