Work

Psychological well-being and the effects of supportive coaching during SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging in patients with suspected ischemic heart disease

Year: 2025

Type: article

Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Diagnostic procedures for ischemic heart disease are common, but the consequences for the patient's psychological well-being are not well understood. The current study investigates changes in negative affect as a measure of psychological well-being during myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI-SPECT) and whether supportive coaching during diagnostic testing improves well-being, reduces symptom burden, and increases patient satisfaction. METHODS: Patients undergoing MPI-SPECT were randomly assigned to a supportive coaching intervention group or a care-as-usual control group. Negative affect was assessed at nine time-points throughout the 2-day diagnostic MPI visits. Anginal and adenosine-related symptoms were evaluated during cardiac stress testing (CST) and patient satisfaction at completion of MPI-SPECT. Data were analyzed using regression analysis, t-tests, and linear mixed models. RESULTS: A total of 149 patients were randomized (mean age = 68.5 [SD = 9.6] years, 41.6 % women; 74 intervention and 75 control condition). Negative affect changed significantly throughout the MPI procedure (F(8, 244.098) = 8.689, p < .001), with the highest level occurring during the peak phase of CST. Negative affect was associated with higher concurrent anginal (β = 0.285, p = .001) and adenosine-related symptoms (β = 0.252, p = .004) during CST. No significant benefits of supportive coaching were found for well-being or symptoms, inducibility of ischemia, or patient satisfaction (all p-values > .200). CONCLUSION: Negative affect during MPI-SPECT is associated with cardiac symptoms during CST. No benefits were found of the short-term supportive coaching intervention during the MPI-SPECT procedure. Patient well-being might be improved by providing support during the entire diagnostic phase for ischemic heart disease rather than just during the MPI-SPECT procedure. Trial registration #NCT05896982. Open science statement/Preregistration: Medical Ethics Committee METC-Brabant NL81600.028.22 / P2234.

Source: Journal of Psychosomatic Research

DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2025.112355

Authors: T. Roovers, I.A.C. Vermeltfoort, J.W. Widdershoven, W.J. Kop

Institutions: Tilburg University, Instituut Verbeeten, Elisabeth-TweeSteden Ziekenhuis

Language: English

Topic: Cardiac Health and Mental Health

Subfield: Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,760