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The Effects of Scheduled Visitation Policy on Depression, Anxiety, and Stress among the Family Members of Patients with Open Heart Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Year: 2025

Type: article

Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial

Abstract: Background: Visiting patients in special care units can effect depression, anxiety, and stress patients and their families. The present study aimed at evaluating the effects of Scheduled Visitation Policy on depression, anxiety, and stress among the family members of patients with Open Heart Surgery (OHS). Materials and Methods: This randomized, controlled, clinical trial was conducted on 66 family members of patients with OHS. They were randomly allocated to two groups of intervention ( n = 33) and control ( n = 33) through permuted block randomization. Participants in the intervention group received scheduled visitation policy in three 30-minute sessions for 3 consecutive days after OHS, and their counterparts in the control group were treated with routine restricted visitation. All participants completed the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale DASS-21 before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using Chi-square, paired-sample t -test and the analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) ( p < 0.05). Results: The mean [standard deviation (SD)] of depression, anxiety, and stress did not change in the control group, while it significantly decreased in the intervention group [2.27 (4.06) vs 11.97 (7.13), 2.52 (3.26) vs 11.67 (7.36), and 2.45 (4.11) vs 12.93 (6.80), respectively; p < 0.05]. Consequently, ANCOVA test showed the mean posttest scores of depression, anxiety, and stress in the intervention group were significantly less than those in the control group ( p < 0.05). Conclusions: Scheduled visitation policy significantly reduced depression, anxiety, and stress among the family members of patients with OHS. Patient-centered and family-centered interventions are needed to reduce psychological strains.

Source: Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research

DOI: 10.4103/ijnmr.ijnmr_225_24

Authors: Hadis Asadollahi, Fateme Goudarzi, Farzad Ebrahimzadeh, Ali Pooria, Nasrin Galehdar

Institutions: Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Lorestan University

Language: English

Topic: Family and Patient Care in Intensive Care Units

Subfield: Radiological and Ultrasound Technology

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $100