Description

The primary outcome of this study is the difference between treatment recommendations; the first treatment recommendation (the decision before the patient visits the outpatient clinic) will be compared with the treatment recommendation after the assessment at the outpatient clinic.

Secondary and other outcomes that will be collected are baseline demographic data including age, gender, body mass index, education level, European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation II (EuroSCORE II) and co-morbidities such as stroke, reduced cognitive function, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) GOLD III or IV, renal failure (a reduced renal function prior to surgery with a kreatinine level ≥150mmol/L), a reduced left ventricular function, reduced mobility, cardiac reoperation and type of surgical procedure (CABG, valve replacement or repair, surgery of the thoracic aorta or a combination of several procedures).

Data will be collected using several questionnaires:

• Health-related Quality of Life (the RAND-36 questionnaire)
• The Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living to assess functional status
• The Cognitive Impairment Test
• The Timed Up and Go Test
• Outcome Prioritization Tool to assess the most important goals of treatment The RAND-36 and KATZ-ADL will be completed by all patients, including those receiving standard care.