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.