Abstract

Aim. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of muscle relaxation and music therapy on anxiety level in patients waiting for cardiac catheterization.

Background. Anxiety is one of the most common human emotions from positive or negative experiences of life. High levels of anxiety have many unwanted effects on the body systems. In stressful situations such as invasive diagnostic techniques, the person experiences high level of anxiety. One of the main responsibilities of nurses is to control anxiety in patients with pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods.

Method. This quasi-experimental study was conducted in one hospital affiliated to Tehran University of Medical Science. After obtaining approval and written consent, 150 patients, waiting for cardiac catheterization, were randomly divided into three groups of muscle relaxation, music therapy and control. Data were collected by demographic form and self-report form of anxiety through interview. One hour before cardiac catheterization, the level of anxiety was measured in all groups, then, muscle relaxation group was asked to perform Benson muscle relaxation for 20 minutes based on listening to a recorded tape of guidance by headphone. At the same time, the music therapy group listened to music tape by headphone. Control group received no intervention but standard nursing care. Immediately before cardiac catheterization, the level of anxiety was measured again in all groups. Data were analyzed by SPSS using Fisher exact test, Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests.

Findings. Immediately before catheterization, patients' anxiety level was significantly reduced (p<0.001) in muscle relaxation and music therapy groups, while it increased in the control group. Immediately before catheterization, a statistical significant difference was found between levels of anxiety in groups (p<0.001).

Conclusion. Both Benson muscle relaxation and music therapy significantly reduced anxiety level of patients and music therapy had more effect on the anxiety level of patients waiting for cardiac catheterization.

Aim. This study aimed to examine the effect of intraoperative progress report on anxiety of family members of patients under cardiac catheterization.

Background. Diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for CAD produce considerable anxiety in family members of the patient. Simple and clear explanations about physical and emotional status of the patient may decrease family members’ anxiety.

Method. This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 90 family members (45 in control and 45 in experimental group) of patients referred to angiography department of Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran. Intraoperative progress report was implemented for experimental group. Data collection tools were demographic form and Spielberger questionnaire. The data were analyzed in SPSS version 17, using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Findings. Before intervention, there was no statistically significant difference between anxiety scores for experimental (57.64±6.52) and group (50.11±8.32). After intervention, anxiety score in experimental group (46.22±5.18) was significantly lower than that of control group (57.48±7.20) (P<0.0001). Within-group comparisons showed that changes in anxiety score was statistically significant in both groups, it is to be noted that changes in anxiety score in experimental group was decreasing, while for the control group was increasing.

Conclusion. According to the findings, intraoperative progress report during angiography in a simple and clear manner that is understandable for family members may decrease their anxiety. It is suggested to include this supportive intervention as part of nursing care delivered by nurses in angiography departments.