Application of relational tool to support acute cardiac patients’ emotional recovery: analysis of effects during acute and follow-up care
Year: 2019
Type: article
Abstract: After an acute cardiac event, many patients experience emotional disturbance. This is a normal response to the event and to hospitalization, but, if not treated with emotive and social support, the symptoms can evolve, resulting in emotional and behavioural disorders. The aim of the study was to evaluate the outcome of the use of a new nursing relational tool, designed to support patients' emotional recovery. The data are the result of semi-structured narrative interviews, conducted in the intensive cardio care unit of the Mauriziano hospital of Turin and by telephone, during March and August of 2017. The research sample involved 26 patients, divided into control and intervention groups. Exclusion criteria were: under age of 18, cognitive impairment or dementia, difficulty with comprehension and expression in Italian, and previous acute cardiac events. The interviews have shown that an emotional management tool improves the patient's recovery, the quality of information received, and the quality of the patient's everyday life after the event. The use of a relational tool by nursing staff improves the patient's emotional management and increases the knowledge required to ensure a good quality of life. Continuous use also improves the confidence of health professionals in managing these emotional conditions.
Authors: Daniela Berardo, Maria Valentina Mussa
Institution: University of Turin
Language: English
Subfield: Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,790
OpenAlex ID: W2935836720